Videos

Clinical Case Study: Inducing Remission in Crohn's Disease with Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN)

What nutritional therapy options are available to help manage Crohn’s disease in my pediatric patient?

Presenter(s): David L Suskind, MD

Publication Date: 18 November 2025

Summary:

Case studies are an excellent way to learn concepts to apply to clinical practice. Join David Suskind, MD, in our case study series as he highlights the nutrition management of a pediatric patient with Crohn’s disease using exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN).

Key Takeaways:
  • EEN is recommended as a first-line treatment for Crohn’s disease by both NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN.
  • EEN, partial enteral nutrition (PEN), and Crohn's disease exclusive diet (CDED) are three dietary strategies that have strong evidence for managing Crohn’s disease.
Related Questions & Answers
  • What is recommended as the first-line therapy for Crohn’s disease?
    EEN is recommended as a first-line treatment for Crohn’s disease by both the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and by the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).
  • Before discussing the impact of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) with a patient with Crohn’s disease, what should you consider?
    Every family brings unique perspectives, experiences, and varying capacities for implementing dietary changes.  We should acknowledge it can be difficult to maintain and should focus on the proven efficacy of EEN.
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Presenter Bio(s):

David L Suskind, MD

Professor of Pediatrics
Division of Gastroenterology
Seattle Children's Hospital
University of Washington
Seattle, WA, USA

Dr David L Suskind is a pediatric gastroenterologist and professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, serving as the Director of Quality Assurance and Improvement as well as ImproveCareNow Physician Lead at Seattle Children’s Hospital. He is a recognized leader in the field of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly in integrating dietary therapies into clinical care. Dr Suskind’s research has demonstrated that the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) can induce clinical and biochemical remission in pediatric patients with active Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. His studies also explore how dietary interventions influence the fecal microbiome, aiming to personalize treatment approaches. As a founder of NiMBAL (Nutrition in IBD and Lifestyle), Dr Suskind advocates for patient and family empowerment through education and evidence-based dietary strategies. His ongoing commitment to advancing pediatric gastroenterology has made a significant impact on both clinical practice and patient quality of life.

References:
  • van Rheenen PF, et al. J Crohns Colitis. Published online October 7, 2020. Bischoff SC, et al. Clin Nutr. 2020;39(3):632-653.
  • Lee D, et al. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2015;21(8):1786-1793.
  • Levine A, et al. Gastroenterology. 2019;157(2):440-450.e8.
Category
Pediatric Inpatient Nutrition