Impact of enteral therapy in IBD on growth failure

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory illness. IBD, in particular Crohn’s disease is linked to significant growth stunting, loss of skeletal muscle mass, deterioration of bone architecture and bone mass reduction. These effects occur in spite of traditional active treatments to correct weight loss. With the advent of novel therapeutic options, there are now increased expectations of treatment outcomes. Clinicians and patients are no longer satisfied with mere symptom improvement. Treatments now aim to achieve long-term remission, which promotes normal growth and development as well as improved quality of life. Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) has been shown to correct nutritional deficiencies, provide adequate calories for growth, and alleviate intestinal inflammation with a favorable adverse effect profile. In this presentation, Prof Sylvester presents a summary of the effects of EEN on linear growth, skeletal health and lean body mass in children with Crohn’s disease