Serial fecal calprotectin changes in children with Crohn's disease on treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition: associations with disease activity, treatment response, and prediction of a clinical relapse

BACKGROUND: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) induces clinical remission in pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). GOALS: This study explored changes in fecal calprotectin concentration during treatment with EEN. STUDY: Fecal calprotectin was measured in 4 serial stool samples from CD children during EEN. The Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) and systemic markers of disease activity were measured at the beginning and end of treatment. RESULTS: Fifteen CD children (7 girls; 11.6±2.3 y) participated. PCDAI decreased in 14 children and 7 children achieved clinical remission (PCDAI ≤10). Fecal calprotectin concentration decreased (30 d, P=0.014; 60 d, P