Avoiding the use of long-term parenteral support in patients without intestinal failure: A position paper from the European Society of Clinical Nutrition & Metabolism, the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility and the Rome Foundation for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction.

The role of long-term parenteral support in patients with underlying benign conditions who do not have intestinal failure (IF) is contentious, not least since there are clear benefits in utilising the oral or enteral route for nutritional support. Furthermore, the risks of long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN) are significant, with significant impacts on morbidity and mortality. There has, however, been a recent upsurge of the use of HPN in patients with conditions such as gastro-intestinal neuromuscular disorders, opioid bowel dysfunction, disorders of gut-brain interaction and possibly eating disorders, who do not have IF. As a result, the European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), the European Society of Neuro-gastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) and the Rome Foundation for Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction felt that a position statement is required to clarify - and hopefully reduce the potential for harm associated with - the use of long-term parenteral support in patients without IF. Consensus opinion is that HPN should not be prescribed for patients without IF, where the oral and/or enteral route can be utilised. On the rare occasions that PN commencement is required to treat life-threatening malnutrition in conditions such as those listed above, it should only be prescribed for a time-limited period to achieve nutritional safety, while the wider multi-disciplinary team focus on more appropriate biopsychosocial holistic and rehabilitative approaches to manage the patient's primary underlying condition.

Avoiding the use of long-term parenteral support in patients without intestinal failure: A position paper from the European Society of Clinical Nutrition & Metabolism, the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility and the Rome Foundation for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction.

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Polypoid colon mucosa in a leukemia patient.

A woman, followed for chronic myeloid leukaemia, presented for a routine examination. Her medical history was marked by recurrent Helicobacter pylori gastritis and polymyalgica rheumatica. She was under dasatinib and hormone replacement therapy. At clinical examination, she complained about digestive disorders with altered bowel habits. Biology, including leucocyte count, remained normal. A colonoscopy was performed. Endoscopic examination revealed a colonic mucosa covered by multiple tiny nodular lesions (<5mm) from the hepatic angle to the sigmoid and with an abnormal pattern of vascularisation (Fig. 1). Staged biopsies were taken. Microscopic examination revealed discrete achi-tectural distortions. The stroma contained a mixed inflammatory infiltrate composed of neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD5, CD20 and CD79 did not bring arguments for a lymphoma. There were no malignant or dysplastic cells. (Fig. 2). What is your diagnosis?

A multi-national survey of experience and attitudes towards commencing home parenteral nutrition for patients with advanced cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced cancer (AC) is increasingly an indication for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) but an area with possible variation in practice between geographical locations. The aims of this study are to explore the views and experiences of international multi-disciplinary teams to determine opinions and practices. METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed with members of the Home Artificial Nutrition and Chronic Intestinal Failure interest group of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and distributed to colleagues involved in managing patients with AC on HPN. RESULTS: A total of 220 responses were included from 5 continents including 36 countries, with 90% of all responses from Europe. Predicted survival was a key factor influencing the decision to commence HPN for most respondents 152/220 (75%), with the majority of participants reporting that patients should have a predicted survival of ≥3 months if considered for HPN (≥3 months: n = 124, 56% vs. <3 months: n = 47, 21%, p < 0.001). However, most respondents were not confident about predicting overall survival in more than 50% of cases (confident n = 40, 23% vs not confident n = 135, 77%, p < 0.001). Barriers to utilising HPN in AC included colleagues' objections (n = 91, 46%), lack of local expertise (n = 55, 28%) and funding restrictions (n = 34, 17%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant consensus was observed regarding AC as indication for HPN, while areas of variation exist. Survival prognostication is often used as an indication for commencing HPN in people with AC, although the majority of respondents were not confident in prognosticating, suggesting better clinical prognostication tools will be of assistance. Further studies are also required to better understand the obstacles faced by clinical teams to commencing HPN that may explain variations in clinical practice between countries, as well as adressing variation in funding.

Nutrition education in medical schools (NEMS) project: Joining ESPEN and university point of view.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nutrition education is not well represented in the medical curriculum. The aim of this original paper was to describe the Nutrition Education in Medical Schools (NEMS) Project of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). METHODS: On 19 January 2020, a meeting was held on this topic that was attended by 51 delegates (27 council members) from 34 countries, and 13 European University representatives. RESULTS: This article includes the contents of the meeting that concluded with the signing of the Manifesto for the Implementation of Nutrition Education in the Undergraduate Medical Curriculum. CONCLUSION: The meeting represented a significant step forward, moved towards implementation of nutrition education in medical education in general and in clinical practice in particular, in compliance with the aims of the ESPEN Nutrition Education Study Group (NESG).

Mantle cell lymphoma simulating inflammatory bowel disease.

We report a case of colorectal involvement by a mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) that had been considered before as inflammatory bowel disease. Diagnosis of low-grade MCL can be difficult, and here we highlight the importance of thorough histopathological examination in case of supposed inflammatory bowel disease that does not react to therapy.

GLIM criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition - A consensus report from the global clinical nutrition community.

RATIONALE: This initiative is focused on building a global consensus around core diagnostic criteria for malnutrition in adults in clinical settings. METHODS: In January 2016, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) was convened by several of the major global clinical nutrition societies. GLIM appointed a core leadership committee and a supporting working group with representatives bringing additional global diversity and expertise. Empirical consensus was reached through a series of face-to-face meetings, telephone conferences, and e-mail communications. RESULTS: A two-step approach for the malnutrition diagnosis was selected, i.e., first screening to identify "at risk" status by the use of any validated screening tool, and second, assessment for diagnosis and grading the severity of malnutrition. The malnutrition criteria for consideration were retrieved from existing approaches for screening and assessment. Potential criteria were subjected to a ballot among the GLIM core and supporting working group members. The top five ranked criteria included three phenotypic criteria (weight loss, low body mass index, and reduced muscle mass) and two etiologic criteria (reduced food intake or assimilation, and inflammation or disease burden). To diagnose malnutrition at least one phenotypic criterion and one etiologic criterion should be present. Phenotypic metrics for grading severity as Stage 1 (moderate) and Stage 2 (severe) malnutrition are proposed. It is recommended that the etiologic criteria be used to guide intervention and anticipated outcomes. The recommended approach supports classification of malnutrition into four etiology-related diagnosis categories. CONCLUSION: A consensus scheme for diagnosing malnutrition in adults in clinical settings on a global scale is proposed. Next steps are to secure further collaboration and endorsements from leading nutrition professional societies, to identify overlaps with syndromes like cachexia and sarcopenia, and to promote dissemination, validation studies, and feedback. The diagnostic construct should be re-considered every 3-5 years.

GLIM criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition - A consensus report from the global clinical nutrition community.

RATIONALE: This initiative is focused on building a global consensus around core diagnostic criteria for malnutrition in adults in clinical settings. METHODS: In January 2016, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) was convened by several of the major global clinical nutrition societies. GLIM appointed a core leadership committee and a supporting working group with representatives bringing additional global diversity and expertise. Empirical consensus was reached through a series of face-to-face meetings, telephone conferences, and e-mail communications. RESULTS: A two-step approach for the malnutrition diagnosis was selected, i.e., first screening to identify "at risk" status by the use of any validated screening tool, and second, assessment for diagnosis and grading the severity of malnutrition. The malnutrition criteria for consideration were retrieved from existing approaches for screening and assessment. Potential criteria were subjected to a ballot among the GLIM core and supporting working group members. The top five ranked criteria included three phenotypic criteria (non-volitional weight loss, low body mass index, and reduced muscle mass) and two etiologic criteria (reduced food intake or assimilation, and inflammation or disease burden). To diagnose malnutrition at least one phenotypic criterion and one etiologic criterion should be present. Phenotypic metrics for grading severity as Stage 1 (moderate) and Stage 2 (severe) malnutrition are proposed. It is recommended that the etiologic criteria be used to guide intervention and anticipated outcomes. The recommended approach supports classification of malnutrition into four etiology-related diagnosis categories. CONCLUSION: A consensus scheme for diagnosing malnutrition in adults in clinical settings on a global scale is proposed. Next steps are to secure further collaboration and endorsements from leading nutrition professional societies, to identify overlaps with syndromes like cachexia and sarcopenia, and to promote dissemination, validation studies, and feedback. The diagnostic construct should be re-considered every 3-5 years.

Efficacy of switching to infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease with loss of response to adalimumab.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies are a cornerstone in the treatment of Crohn's disease. Prospective data on switching from the subcutaneous and human adalimumab (ADM) to the intravenous and chimeric infliximab (IFX) are scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, observational, multicentre cohort study we included 21 patients with loss of response to ADM despite at least 4 consecutive weekly injections. Clinical response (CDAI drop≥70 points) and remission (CDAI≤150) were assessed after switching from ADM to IFX after 10 weeks, 6 and 12 months. Predictive factors of response/remission, the need for therapy intensification, discontinuation and safety were investigated. RESULTS: Short-term response and remission (10 weeks) were seen in 57% and 48% respectively. Mid- and long-term clinical response and remission were achieved in 40% and 25% after 6 months and in 45% and 20% after 12 months respectively. At 12 months, 81% still were on IFX. IFX therapy intensification was needed in half of the patients at 6 months and three quarter of patients at 12 months. Undetectable ADM trough levels (despite weekly injections) were a predictive factor for short-term response and remission to IFX. About half of the patients with response at week 10 maintained response at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Switching from ADM to IFX can be efficacious in patients with loss of response, in particular in case of undetectable ADM trough levels. The majority of patients however will need IFX therapy intensification during their first year of treatment.

ESPEN expert group recommendations for action against cancer-related malnutrition.

Patients with cancer are at particularly high risk for malnutrition because both the disease and its treatments threaten their nutritional status. Yet cancer-related nutritional risk is sometimes overlooked or under-treated by clinicians, patients, and their families. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) recently published evidence-based guidelines for nutritional care in patients with cancer. In further support of these guidelines, an ESPEN oncology expert group met for a Cancer and Nutrition Workshop in Berlin on October 24 and 25, 2016. The group examined the causes and consequences of cancer-related malnutrition, reviewed treatment approaches currently available, and built the rationale and impetus for clinicians involved with care of patients with cancer to take actions that facilitate nutrition support in practice. The content of this position paper is based on presentations and discussions at the Berlin meeting. The expert group emphasized 3 key steps to update nutritional care for people with cancer: (1) screen all patients with cancer for nutritional risk early in the course of their care, regardless of body mass index and weight history; (2) expand nutrition-related assessment practices to include measures of anorexia, body composition, inflammatory biomarkers, resting energy expenditure, and physical function; (3) use multimodal nutritional interventions with individualized plans, including care focused on increasing nutritional intake, lessening inflammation and hypermetabolic stress, and increasing physical activity.

ESPEN guidelines on definitions and terminology of clinical nutrition.

BACKGROUND: A lack of agreement on definitions and terminology used for nutrition-related concepts and procedures limits the development of clinical nutrition practice and research. OBJECTIVE: This initiative aimed to reach a consensus for terminology for core nutritional concepts and procedures. METHODS: The European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) appointed a consensus group of clinical scientists to perform a modified Delphi process that encompassed e-mail communication, face-to-face meetings, in-group ballots and an electronic ESPEN membership Delphi round. RESULTS: Five key areas related to clinical nutrition were identified: concepts; procedures; organisation; delivery; and products. One core concept of clinical nutrition is malnutrition/undernutrition, which includes disease-related malnutrition (DRM) with (eq. cachexia) and without inflammation, and malnutrition/undernutrition without disease, e.g. hunger-related malnutrition. Over-nutrition (overweight and obesity) is another core concept. Sarcopenia and frailty were agreed to be separate conditions often associated with malnutrition. Examples of nutritional procedures identified include screening for subjects at nutritional risk followed by a complete nutritional assessment. Hospital and care facility catering are the basic organizational forms for providing nutrition. Oral nutritional supplementation is the preferred way of nutrition therapy but if inadequate then other forms of medical nutrition therapy, i.e. enteral tube feeding and parenteral (intravenous) nutrition, becomes the major way of nutrient delivery. CONCLUSION: An agreement of basic nutritional terminology to be used in clinical practice, research, and the ESPEN guideline developments has been established. This terminology consensus may help to support future global consensus efforts and updates of classification systems such as the International Classification of Disease (ICD). The continuous growth of knowledge in all areas addressed in this statement will provide the foundation for future revisions.

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in patients with post-bariatric surgery complications.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Obesity is a worldwide health problem. Bariatric surgery (BS) is becoming one of the most commonly used methods for fighting obesity and its associated comorbidities. However, current BS techniques can be associated with early or late complications that may require nutritional support. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to determine the indications and outcomes for patients on Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) due to post-bariatric surgery complications. METHODS: A specific questionnaire was designed by the ESPEN HAN/CIF working group and submitted to HPN centers. This questionnaire included: patient demographics, type of surgery, BMI before surgery and at start of HPN, indications for HPN including technical and nutritional complications (early within 2 months after surgery or late), outcome, PN regimen, and HPN complications. Patients were retrospectively included from January 2008 to June 2014. RESULTS: Eighteen HPN centers responded to the survey. A total of 2880 HPN patients were treated during the study period, 77 of whom had BS (65 females; mean age 51 ± 7 years); gastric bypass was performed in 69% of the patients; mean BMI was 44.4 before surgery and 23.2 at the start of HPN. Indications for HPN were early complications in 17 cases and late complications in 60 cases. Early complications were mostly anastomotic leakage/fistula; late complications were hypoalbuminemia, and vitamin and trace element deficiencies. Out of 77 patients, 16 needed a surgical re-intervention, 29 were weaned off HPN, and 6 died (no HPN-related deaths). During the HPN period, 58% of the patients were re-hospitalized and central venous complications were observed in 41%. Diabetes mellitus was described in 17/77 patients. HPN was supportive in 60 patients and exclusive in 17 patients (mean caloric intake: 23 ± 6 kcal/k BW/day and 1.2 g/kBW/day). Only 7/77 patients resumed their professional activities on HPN. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest observational multicenter study describing the use of HPN in patients with post-BS complications. Severe hypoalbuminemia is a major late complication. Rates of re-hospitalization and CVC infection were high. HPN may be a "bridge therapy" before surgical revision after BS. The high mortality rate reflects the complexity of these cases.

Carbohydrates and insulin resistance in clinical nutrition: Recommendations from the ESPEN expert group.

Growing evidence underscores the important role of glycemic control in health and recovery from illness. Carbohydrate ingestion in the diet or administration in nutritional support is mandatory, but carbohydrate intake can adversely affect major body organs and tissues if resulting plasma glucose becomes too high, too low, or highly variable. Plasma glucose control is especially important for patients with conditions such as diabetes or metabolic stress resulting from critical illness or surgery. These patients are particularly in need of glycemic management to help lessen glycemic variability and its negative health consequences when nutritional support is administered. Here we report on recent findings and emerging trends in the field based on an ESPEN workshop held in Venice, Italy, 8-9 November 2015. Evidence was discussed on pathophysiology, clinical impact, and nutritional recommendations for carbohydrate utilization and management in nutritional support. The main conclusions were: a) excess glucose and fructose availability may exacerbate metabolic complications in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver and can result in negative clinical impact; b) low-glycemic index and high-fiber diets, including specialty products for nutritional support, may provide metabolic and clinical benefits in individuals with obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes; c) in acute conditions such as surgery and critical illness, insulin resistance and elevated circulating glucose levels have a negative impact on patient outcomes and should be prevented through nutritional and/or pharmacological intervention. In such acute settings, efforts should be implemented towards defining optimal plasma glucose targets, avoiding excessive plasma glucose variability, and optimizing glucose control relative to nutritional support.

Esophageal stenting for benign and malignant disease: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Clinical Guideline

This Guideline is an official statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), endorsed by the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), the European Society of Digestive Endoscopy (ESDO), and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was adopted to define the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. Main recommendations for malignant disease 1 ESGE recommends placement of partially or fully covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) for palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia over laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and esophageal bypass (strong recommendation, high quality evidence). 2 For patients with longer life expectancy, ESGE recommends brachytherapy as a valid alternative or in addition to stenting in esophageal cancer patients with malignant dysphagia. Brachytherapy may provide a survival advantage and possibly a better quality of life compared to SEMS placement alone. (Strong recommendation, high quality evidence.) 3 ESGE recommends esophageal SEMS placement as the preferred treatment for sealing malignant tracheoesophageal or bronchoesophageal fistula (strong recommendation, low quality evidence). 4 ESGE does not recommend the use of concurrent external radiotherapy and esophageal stent treatment. SEMS placement is also not recommended as a bridge to surgery or prior to preoperative chemoradiotherapy. It is associated with a high incidence of adverse events and alternative satisfactory options such as placement of a feeding tube are available. (Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.) Main recommendations for benign disease 1 ESGE recommends against the use of self-expandable stents (SEMSs) as first-line therapy for the management of benign esophageal strictures because of the potential for adverse events, the availability of alternative therapies, and costs (strong recommendation, low quality evidence). 2 ESGE suggests consideration of temporary placement of SEMSs as therapy for refractory benign esophageal strictures (weak recommendation, moderate evidence). Stents should usually be removed at a maximum of 3 months (strong recommendation, weak quality evidence). 3 ESGE suggests that fully covered SEMSs be preferred over partially covered SEMSs for the treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures, because of their lack of embedment and ease of removability (weak recommendation, low quality evidence). 4 For the removal of partially covered esophageal SEMSs that are embedded, ESGE recommends the stent-in-stent technique (strong recommendation, low quality evidence). 5 ESGE recommends that temporary stent placement can be considered for treating esophageal leaks, fistulas, and perforations. The optimal stenting duration remains unclear and should be individualized. (Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.) 6 ESGE recommends placement of a SEMS for the treatment of esophageal variceal bleeding refractory to medical, endoscopic, and/or radiological therapy, or as initial therapy for patients with massive esophageal variceal bleeding (strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence).

[What is the optimal diet?] / A quel régime faut-il se vouer ?

Food intake is expected to cover our basal requirements in energy, proteins, minerals, vitamins, trace elements and water. As it has been already suggested by Hippocrates, food can play a role in preventing but also in caring some diseases. The type of diet has medical, mediatic, economic and cultural implications. Many diets are recommended but only a few of them have been validated. The fight against obesity has also created a lot of diet for losing weight. This article is a critical review of some diet in the domain of cancer, gluten sensitivity, irritable bowel syndrome and therapeutic fasting.

L'alimentation doit couvrir nos besoins de base en termes d'énergie, de protéines, de minéraux, de vitamines, d'oligoéléments et bien sûr en eau. Comme Hippocrate le suspectait déjà, notre alimentation peut jouer un rôle dans la prévention et parfois dans le traitement de certaines maladies. Le type d'alimentation a des implications médicales, médiatiques, économiques et culturelles. De nombreux régimes sont proposés dont seulement certains sont validés. La prise en charge de l'obésité a aussi engendré de multiples recommandations diététiques. Cet article analyse de manière critique certains régimes dans le cadre du cancer, de la sensibilité au gluten, du syndrome de l'intestin irritable et du jeûne thérapeutique.

Diagnostic criteria for malnutrition - An ESPEN Consensus Statement.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a consensus-based minimum set of criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition to be applied independent of clinical setting and aetiology, and to unify international terminology. METHOD: The European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) appointed a group of clinical scientists to perform a modified Delphi process, encompassing e-mail communications, face-to-face meetings, in group questionnaires and ballots, as well as a ballot for the ESPEN membership. RESULT: First, ESPEN recommends that subjects at risk of malnutrition are identified by validated screening tools, and should be assessed and treated accordingly. Risk of malnutrition should have its own ICD Code. Second, a unanimous consensus was reached to advocate two options for the diagnosis of malnutrition. Option one requires body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) <18.5 to define malnutrition. Option two requires the combined finding of unintentional weight loss (mandatory) and at least one of either reduced BMI or a low fat free mass index (FFMI). Weight loss could be either >10% of habitual weight indefinite of time, or >5% over 3 months. Reduced BMI is <20 or <22 kg/m(2) in subjects younger and older than 70 years, respectively. Low FFMI is <15 and <17 kg/m(2) in females and males, respectively. About 12% of ESPEN members participated in a ballot; >75% agreed; i.e. indicated ≥7 on a 10-graded scale of acceptance, to this definition. CONCLUSION: In individuals identified by screening as at risk of malnutrition, the diagnosis of malnutrition should be based on either a low BMI (<18.5 kg/m(2)), or on the combined finding of weight loss together with either reduced BMI (age-specific) or a low FFMI using sex-specific cut-offs.

The prognosis of incurable cachectic cancer patients on home parenteral nutrition: a multi-centre observational study with prospective follow-up of 414 patients.

BACKGROUND: The role of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in incurable cachectic cancer patients unable to eat is extremely controversial. The aim of this study is to analyse which factors can influence the outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied prospectively 414 incurable cachectic (sub)obstructed cancer patients receiving HPN and analysed the association between patient or clinical characteristics and surviving status. RESULTS: Median weight loss, versus pre-disease and last 6-month period, was 24% and 16%, respectively. Median body mass index was 19.5, median KPS was 60, median life expectancy was 3 months. Mean/median survival was 4.7/3.0 months; 50.0% and 22.9% of patients survived 3 and 6 months, respectively. At the multivariable analysis, the variables significantly associated with 3- and 6-month survival were Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and KPS, and GPS, KPS and tumour spread, respectively. By the aggregation of the significant variables, it was possible to dissect several classes of patients with different survival probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of cachectic incurable cancer patients on HPN is not homogeneous. It is possible to identify groups of patients with a ≥6-month survival (possibly longer than that allowed in starvation). The indications for HPN can be modulated on these clinical/biochemical indices.

Profile of pediatric Crohn's disease in Belgium.

AIM: A Belgian registry for pediatric Crohn's disease, BELCRO, was created. This first report aims at describing disease presentation and phenotype and determining associations between variables at diagnosis and registration in the database. METHODS: Through a collaborative network, children with previously established Crohn's disease and newly diagnosed children and adolescents (under 18 y of age) were recruited over a 2 year period. Data were collected by 23 centers and entered in a database. Statistical association tests analyzed relationships between variables of interest at diagnosis. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-five patients were included. Median age at diagnosis was 12.5 y (range: 1.6-18 y); median duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 3 m (range: 1-12 m). Neonatal history and previous medical history did not influence disease onset nor disease behavior. Fifty three % of these patients presented with a BMI z-score < -1. CRP was an independent predictor of disease severity. Steroids were widely used as initial treatment in moderate to severe and extensive disease. Over time, immunomodulators and biological were prescribed more frequently, reflecting a lower prescription rate for steroids and 5-ASA. A positive family history was the sole significant determinant for earlier use of immunosuppression. CONCLUSION: In Belgium, the median age of children presenting with Crohn's disease is 12.5 y. Faltering growth, extensive disease and upper GI involvement are frequent. CRP is an independent predictive factor of disease activity. A positive family history appears to be the main determinant for initial treatment choice.