Parenteral nutrition in Crohn's disease.

A retrospective study of 50 consecutive patients admitted to hospital with Crohn's disease has been undertaken in order to assess the place of parenteral nutrition in our management of this disease. Following treatment, median weight, hemoglobin, and plasma albumin were the same in three treatment groups--parenteral nutrition (12), low-residue diet (9), and normal diet (29). Of 13 courses of parenteral nutrition used in 12 patients, 10 were for periods of less than 14 days (median four days). Most patients with nutritional problems associated with Crohn's disease can be treated successfully by one or other form of enteral nutrition. Parenteral nutrition, if required, is usually only necessary for periods of less than two weeks, to support patients over a critical period in their illness. Occasionally prolonged parenteral nutrition is required for short-bowel syndrome or advanced fistulous disease. In these cases, training the patient to infuse himself with nutrients at home has much to recommend it.