Hyperalimentation as primary therapy for inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

In a series of thirteen patients with regional enteritis, granulomatous colitis, and ulcerative colitis, hyperalimentation was carried out with additional forms of therapy. The response in the group with regional enteritis and granulomatous colitis suggests the hyperalimentation may be of value as primary therapy. One patient with partial small bowel obstruction secondary to a stenotic segment avoided operation as the segment became dilated after three weeks of therapy. In ulcerative colitis total parenteral nutrition appears to be more of a supportive nature, as persistent bleeding necessitated operation in three of four patients.