International survey of enteral nutrition protocols used in children with Crohn's disease.

Objective:   Differing protocols have been utilized in published studies evaluating exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in the management of active pediatric Crohn's disease. This study aimed to ascertain the protocols currently utilized in different pediatric centers around the world and to highlight their similarities and differences.

Methods:   A questionnaire was circulated to individuals at pediatric centers in countries in Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

Effect of exclusive enteral nutrition on bone turnover in children with Crohn's disease.

Background: Poor bone acquisition and increased fracture risk are significant complications associated with Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 8 weeks of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) therapy upon markers of bone turnover in children with newly diagnosed CD.

Methods: Twenty-three children with newly diagnosed CD and 20 controls (without CD) were enrolled.

Dietary intakes of children with Crohn's disease.

Approximately 25 % of individuals with Crohn's disease (CD), a life-long relapsing-remitting disease, are diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. Symptoms of CD, including abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhoea, can lead to reduced food intake, which may negatively have an impact on nutritional status during this critical period of growth and development. The aims of the present study were to assess the growth and adequacy of dietary intakes of children with CD at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, and compare with healthy controls.

Exclusive enteral feeding as primary therapy for Crohn's disease in Australian children and adolescents: a feasible and effective approach.

Background: Exclusive enteral feeding has been shown to be as efficacious as corticosteroids in inducing remission in children with Crohn's disease (CD), with additional nutritional benefits. The use of polymeric formulae provides superior palatability and acceptance over elemental feeds, but polymeric formulae have not been universally adopted. The present retrospective analysis of enteral feeding in children with Crohn's disease aims to demonstrate the short-term benefits of enteral feeding in children upon disease activity and nutrition parameters.

Age related clinical features of childhood coeliac disease in Australia.

Background: To describe the presenting clinical features of coeliac disease in a single paediatric centre, and to determine if the presenting features vary with age.

Methods: A review was conducted of children who had been referred with clinical suspicion of coeliac disease to the paediatric gastroenterology department of a tertiary paediatric hospital in Sydney, Australia. Coeliac disease was defined using standard histological criteria.