Assessment of nutritional habits and nutrition status in patients with Crohn's disease before Exclusive Enteral Nutrition and after gaining remission

Introduction
Chronic inflammation present in Crohn's disease, absorptive disorders, die¬tary self-restrictions imposed to avoid symptoms – all lead to chronic malnutrition.

Aim
The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and habits of patients before Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) therapy and during remissions.

Materials and method
Thirty children with newly diagnosed mild to moderate Crohn's disease, at the age of 7 to 17 years, hospitalized in the University Children's Hospital, qualified to EEN induction treatment, were enrolled in to the study. The patients from the study group underwent anthropometric assessments and blood tests twice (before EEN and after gaining remission). Standard laboratory test as well as a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 24- hour nutrition report from the last three days.

Results
In result, 24 children gained remission (PCDAI <10 points) after 6-weeks period of EEN and were compared to 24 children of the same age from control group in terms of nutritional habits. Upon diagnosis, 71% of the patients showed insufficient body weight after 6 weeks of treatment, proper BMI met 34% patients. In remission patients still do not reach their daily caloric requirements (on average intake 70%). The norms for calcium and vitamin D and fiber were not met.

Conclusion
As a result of the implemented therapy, body mass increase was noted in all children. The research shows that a diet used in the remission is improper in terms of energy intake same nutrients which involves the risk of qualitative insufficiencies.