[The role and importance of an elemental diet in the treatment of Crohn's disease in children]

Abstract

Crohn's disease plays an important role in children's pathology. There is an increase in its incidence last decades. The etiology of Crohn's disease isn't yet known. The aim of therapy is to induce remission of the symptoms and disease's activity. Drug treatment as well as surgical procedures according to the side-effects and short-lasting effect have not shown to be satisfactory so far. Very important feature of Crohn's disease is growth retardation as well as puberty delay what is even emphasized by corticosteroid therapy which these children are quite long on. Recent research has shown that an elemental diet is as effective as corticosteroid therapy in inducing remission. Its positive effect on growth has been especially emphasized. It is not still certain how the elemental diet acts. It is supposed that its useful effects are achieved by its complete absorption without the need for extra digestion, by bowel rest, hypoallergenicity, changing in intestinal microflora, by caloric intake and reducing protein exudation by a direct influence on the mucosa of the small intestine. Because of all previously mentioned the elemental diet is recommended as a treatment of choice, especially for the nonstenositing features of Crohn's disease of the small intestine.