Lessons from an audit of exclusive enteral nutrition in adult inpatients and outpatients with active Crohn's disease: a single-centre experience
![Lessons from an audit of exclusive enteral nutrition in adult inpatients and outpatients with active Crohn's disease: a single-centre experience](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5a566/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5b087_ResearchEENAdults.jpeg)
Abstract
Objective To evaluate clinical outcomes, patterns of use, tolerance and nutritional outcomes of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in adults with Crohn's disease and to compare initiation in the inpatient compared with ambulatory care setting. Design/method Adults with Crohn's disease who received EEN at a single centre over 2.5 years were identified and outcomes assessed via examination of patient records.Results EEN was initiated in 60 patients (23 as an outpatient) who had objective evidence of active disease. Of 49 in whom the goal was induction of remission, 28 completed EEN and 24 achieved clinical remission/response. Twenty-one withdrew prematurely, due to intolerance in 15 and disease factors in 6. Of 11 with a planned intervention, 6 fulfilled the goal of downstaging disease while two were intolerant. Completion of the prescribed therapy was associated with self-reported adherence to EEN and with improvements in disease activity scores and biochemical markers. Malnutrition halved (40% to 20%) and intentional weight loss (median 5.1 kg) was achieved in six obese patients. The major reason for intolerance was the inability to accept total avoidance of non- formula food. There were no differences in any outcomes according to the location of initiation of therapy.Conclusion Positive outcomes occur in 70% of adult patients with Crohn's disease tolerating EEN and 81% in those who are able to completely adhere to EEN, without compromise of nutritional status. Similar success occurs when initiated as an inpatient or outpatient. Failure to tolerate EEN is the major hurdle to its use.
Melton, S. L., Fitzpatrick, J. A., Taylor, K. M., Halmos, E. P., & Gibson, P. R. (2023). Lessons from an audit of exclusive enteral nutrition in adult inpatients and outpatients with active Crohn’s disease: a single-centre experience. Frontline Gastroenterology, 14(1), 6–12. https://doi.org/10.1136/flgastro-2022-102173
Positive outcomes occur in 70% of adult patients with Crohn's disease tolerating EEN and 81% in those who are able to completely adhere to EEN, without compromise of nutritional status. Similar success occurs when initiated as an inpatient or outpatient. Failure to tolerate EEN is the major hurdle to its use.
![Somebody in the kitch - view from the back while preparing healthy foods.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5a517/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5a5bb_foodiesfeed.com_vintage-kitchen-at.2e16d0ba.fill-640x425.webp)
![Cutting board with various healthy foods](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5a517/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5a5bd_katie-smith-uQs1802D0CQ-unsplash.2e16d0ba.fill-640x425.webp)
![Pink Milkshake and fruits on a white table and pink background](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5a517/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5a5dc_element5-digital-CpBBsda2eRI-unspl.2e16d0ba.fill-640x425.webp)
![Woman stirring in a pot with vegetables.on the stove](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5a517/6682ad647d71ff9a4ed5a5de_brandless-18lr202tDKY-unsplash.2e16d0ba.fill-640x425.webp)
Support our Mission
Your donation will help us to enhance the well-being and health outcomes of patients with IBD.
Donate