Background: Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) is a well established primary therapy for Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). In the Indian sub-continent, there are no pediatric studies published till date

Aim: To assess the outcome of EEN and to compare the therapeutic efficacy of polymeric formulae (PF) Vs semi -elemental formulae (SEF) to maintain clinical remission in pediatric CD.

Method:  Children commenced on EEN for active CD from March 2012-March 2018 were enrolled. The cohorts were assessed nutritionally and their disease activity measured using Pediatric Crohn’s disease activity Index (PCDAI).Formulae selection was based on target calorie requirement and tolerance of the individual.EEN was considered successful if clinical remission was achieved as defined by PCDAI score, increase in weight and subjective well being of the child at the end of  EEN therapy. Data measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of therapy.

Results: Thirty five children were enrolled, 20 children were treated with SEF and 15 with PF orally.  At the onset of therapy, 42.8 % were well nourished and 57.1% children were under weight. One child relapsed from both the cohorts within a year. A mean increase of 4.1 kg weight was seen in children using SEF and 4.01 kg in children using PF. At the end of therapy, 91 % were well nourished and 8.5% children were under weight.  PCDAI differences were seen in all patients and an improvement was noted .In patients who achieved complete remission, weight for height improved significantly between the commencement and end of treatment with EEN. Significant weight gain in both the groups (P < 0.05) at the end of therapy.

Conclusion: EEN using either formulae was effective in inducing clinical remission in active pediatric CD with no systemic side effects. Differences in nitrogen sources of enteral feeds are not relevant to their therapeutic efficacy.