Which statement about exclusive enteral nutrition is true?

Which statement about exclusive enteral nutrition is true?

• A. It can induce remission in up to 85% of newly diagnosed cases
• B. It is never used
• C. It requires hospitalization
• D. It always causes malnutrition

Answer: (A)

Exclusive enteral nutrition is a dietary therapy that, when used to induce remission in Crohn’s disease, can achieve substantial remission rates, especially in children at the time of diagnosis. In newly diagnosed pediatric patients, studies show remission in a large proportion of cases—often reported around 80–85%—making it a powerful first-line option in this group. This approach uses a nutritionally complete liquid formula for a defined period (typically about 6–8 weeks), to rest the gut, reduce antigen exposure, and promote mucosal healing while simultaneously correcting nutritional deficiencies and supporting growth. It isn’t never used; many centers routinely employ EEN for induction of remission in pediatric Crohn’s. It does not necessarily require hospitalization; many patients manage it at home with proper support, though some may need inpatient care for monitoring or if feeding is challenging. It does not always cause malnutrition; in fact, it provides complete nutrition and can improve nutritional status when properly planned and supervised.

Exclusive enteral nutrition is a dietary therapy that, when used to induce remission in Crohn’s disease, can achieve substantial remission rates, especially in children at the time of diagnosis. In newly diagnosed pediatric patients, studies show remission in a large proportion of cases—often reported around 80–85%—making it a powerful first-line option in this group. This approach uses a nutritionally complete liquid formula for a defined period (typically about 6–8 weeks), to rest the gut, reduce antigen exposure, and promote mucosal healing while simultaneously correcting nutritional deficiencies and supporting growth.

It isn’t never used; many centers routinely employ EEN for induction of remission in pediatric Crohn’s. It does not necessarily require hospitalization; many patients manage it at home with proper support, though some may need inpatient care for monitoring or if feeding is challenging. It does not always cause malnutrition; in fact, it provides complete nutrition and can improve nutritional status when properly planned and supervised.