Moderate dietary temperance effectively prevents relapse of Crohn disease: a prospective study of patients in remission

Gastroenterol Nurs. 2007 May-Jun;30(3):202-10. doi: 10.1097/01.SGA.0000278169.35930.f8.

Abstract

The authors examined the influence of diet (dietary fat intake and dietary temperance) on relapse of patients with Crohn disease. A 1-year prospective study of 76 patients with Crohn disease was conducted. The criterion for eligibility was a Crohn Disease Activity Index score of 150 or lower for at least 1 month. The primary end point was defined as the relapse-free interval from the baseline until the first relapse. Fat intake was assessed using a validated diet history questionnaire. The degree of dietary temperance was assessed using a single-item nominal scale. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the influence of diet. Crohn disease relapse was seen in 25 patients (33%), and 47 patients (62%) remained in continuous remission. A decreased ratio of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) to n-3PUFA (odds ratio = .38; p = .005) was associated with a poor prognosis. Dietary temperance also was significantly associated with prognosis (p = .014). More moderate dietary temperance decreased the risk of relapse (odds ratio = .22; p = .006). Effective prevention of relapse for Crohn disease patients might be achieved through moderate dietary temperance, particularly when the disease condition is unstable.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Crohn Disease / etiology
  • Crohn Disease / prevention & control*
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage*
  • Energy Intake*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / administration & dosage
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Prognosis
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Prospective Studies
  • Recurrence
  • Remission Induction
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6