Which treatment has been shown to induce remission in up to 85% of children with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease?

Which treatment has been shown to induce remission in up to 85% of children with newly diagnosed Crohn's disease?

• A. Corticosteroids
• B. Exclusive Enteral Nutrition
• C. Parenteral Nutrition
• D. Gluten-Free Diet

Answer: (B)

Dietary therapy can actively reduce intestinal inflammation in children with Crohn’s disease by limiting what enters the gut and giving it a rest, while still meeting all nutritional needs. Exclusive Enteral Nutrition uses a formula-only diet for a defined period (typically about 6–8 weeks), with no other foods. This approach removes potential dietary triggers and delivers complete nutrition, which often leads to a robust reduction in inflammation and mucosal healing. In newly diagnosed pediatric Crohn’s, remission rates with this method can reach as high as 85%, making it a highly effective induction option. It also supports growth and avoids the growth-impairing side effects sometimes seen with steroid therapy. Corticosteroids can induce remission and are used in many settings, but in children they come with concerns about growth suppression and long-term side effects, and they may not promote mucosal healing as consistently as nutritional therapy. Parenteral nutrition is reserved for cases with severe malnutrition or intestinal failure and isn’t a standard induction treatment for otherwise stable, newly diagnosed Crohn’s. A gluten-free diet lacks solid evidence for inducing remission in Crohn’s disease.

Dietary therapy can actively reduce intestinal inflammation in children with Crohn’s disease by limiting what enters the gut and giving it a rest, while still meeting all nutritional needs. Exclusive Enteral Nutrition uses a formula-only diet for a defined period (typically about 6–8 weeks), with no other foods. This approach removes potential dietary triggers and delivers complete nutrition, which often leads to a robust reduction in inflammation and mucosal healing. In newly diagnosed pediatric Crohn’s, remission rates with this method can reach as high as 85%, making it a highly effective induction option. It also supports growth and avoids the growth-impairing side effects sometimes seen with steroid therapy.

Corticosteroids can induce remission and are used in many settings, but in children they come with concerns about growth suppression and long-term side effects, and they may not promote mucosal healing as consistently as nutritional therapy. Parenteral nutrition is reserved for cases with severe malnutrition or intestinal failure and isn’t a standard induction treatment for otherwise stable, newly diagnosed Crohn’s. A gluten-free diet lacks solid evidence for inducing remission in Crohn’s disease.