[Indications of enteral nutrition in inflammatory bowel diseases]

Enteral nutrition may have two-fold value in the treatment of intestinal inflammatory disorders. On one hand it constitutes a simple, inexpensive and effective method of nutritional assistance, which is very useful in medical and surgical contexts since malnutrition is frequently observed in combination with these disorders. It that case, it consists of a polymer type mixture of nutrients generally administered as a supplement to oral feeding. Moreover, as is the case with total parenteral nutrition, it makes it possible to control progressive attacks of Crohn's disease in 80 to 90% of cases. This therapeutic action has only been demonstrated for elementary enteral nutrition alone and by putting the digestive system "at rest" it represents one of the primary factors. In the same way, a remission may be obtained in corticosteroid resistant or dependent forms of this disease as well as the weaning of the patient from or a reduction in dosage of corticosteroids. Its prolonged, discontinuous administration in children with below normal height and weight appears as promising. However, as with all current treatments used for this disorder, it does not radically alter the progressive course of Crohn's disease.