Specialized and standard nutritional formulas for the dietary management of pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease: a systematic literature review

Introduction This systematic literature review (SLR) aimed to compare the clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes associated with specialized and standard nutritional formulas for the treatment of mild-to-moderate pediatric Crohn’s disease.Methods Search strategies were applied across MEDLINE, Cochrane and Web of Science (January 2000–October 2023) and recent congress proceedings (January 2021–October 2023). PRISMA-P guidelines were followed. Quality assessment evaluated risk of bias.Results Twenty-three unique studies met the inclusion criteria. Nineteen studies (754 patients) evaluated specialized formula, 10 assessed standard formula (246 patients). Mucosal healing (7 studies), induction (20 studies) and maintenance of remission (9 studies) were reported over various timeframes. High proportions of patients who received specialized formula achieved mucosal healing (63–89% 8 weeks; 25–74% 10 weeks), and remission (50–100% 8 weeks). Specialized formula sustained remission (34–62.5% 6 months and 24–87.5% 1 year). Results were not directly comparable with standard formula due to significant heterogeneity in study methodology, patient population, and remission definition.Conclusions The evidence predominantly supports the benefits of specialized formula in inducing mucosal healing, remission, and sustaining positive outcomes across multiple timepoints. Direct comparison of nutritional interventions is required to further support the findings of this SLR. Protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD42023472370.