Effect of exclusive enteral nutrition on health-related quality of life for adults with active Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND

Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an effective and safe remission induction treatment for Crohn's disease in adults. Its influence on adults' health-related quality of life remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of EEN on health-related quality of life in adults with active Crohn's disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients recruited were treated with a polymeric enteral feed that was taken orally in the daytime and via a self-intubated nasogastric tube at night for 4 weeks. Prospective evaluation of disease activity (Crohn's Disease Activity Index, CDAI) and health-related quality of life (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, IBDQ) were performed at enrollment and after 4 weeks of treatment. Patients' feelings about EEN were also investigated through 2 questions.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were treated with 4-week EEN. They had a significant improvement in total IBDQ score (P < .001) and all IBDQ dimensions: bowel symptoms (P < .001), systemic symptoms (P < .001), social function (P = .003), and emotional status (P < .001), with 11 patients (84.6%) achieving clinical remission after treatment. In addition, 8 patients (61.5%) expressed their willingness to receive this 4-week EEN treatment again to induce remission if the disease relapsed. The IBDQ correlated significantly with the CDAI at 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

A 4-week treatment of EEN improves health-related quality of life significantly in adults with active Crohn's disease and was acceptable by most patients.