NCT06216899 · Seattle Children's Hospital
Reverse-Engineering of Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (RE-EEN) in Crohn's Disease: A Multi-Center Trial
(mRE-EEN)
What this study is about
This study will compare the tolerability and effectiveness of conventional formula Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) and whole-food blended smoothie EEN by enrolling a total of 60 participants with newly diagnosed pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). Participants will be provided either commercial formula or guided on the preparation of the home-blended smoothie.
View original scientific description
This study will compare the tolerability and efficacy of conventional formula Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) and whole-food blended smoothie EEN by enrolling a total of 60 participants with newly diagnosed pediatric Crohn's disease (CD). Participants will be provided either commercial formula or guided on the preparation of the home-blended smoothie. These participants will be given a specific recipe, blender, and be provided the food components to the smoothie. The study will total 8 weeks and will assess tolerance, clinical outcomes, stool microbiome, and quality of life.
Interventions
OTHER
Whole-food based smoothie
The smoothies will be based upon the concept of reverse-engineering of exclusive enteral nutrition and provide 100% of calculated caloric needs for weeks 0-4. At week 4, select foods will be introduced to provide up to 20% of daily caloric needs.
OTHER
Formula
Conventional formula (Boost, Ensure, Modulen) as per the direction of their primary Gastroenterology team to provide 100% of calculated caloric needs for weeks 0-4. At week 4, select foods will be introduced to provide up to 20% of daily caloric needs.
Primary outcome measures
Tolerance- Ability to remain on prescribed nutritional therapy
Time frame: 4 and 8 weeks
Tolerance of therapy as measured by ability to continue prescribed nutritional therapy over 4-weeks and 8-weeks without deviation from protocol. Participants will meet with a study dietitian at week 2, week4, and week 8. Dietitians will evaluate caloric needs, specific deficits, and dietary limitations.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 8 -21 years old.
- Diagnosis of Crohn's disease within 24 months
- Elevation in objective inflammatory markers at enrollment: C-reactive protein (CRP), ESR, or fecal calprotectin
- Active Crohn's disease, as defined by Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) ≥10.
- Participant capable of giving informed consent, or if a minor the parent/guardian is capable of giving informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- History of surgery for Crohn's disease.
- Perianal disease as part of Crohn's disease phenotype.
- Recent use of:
- corticosteroids (within 4 weeks),
- dose adjustment of immunomodulator (within 8 week)
- azathioprine 4 weeks prior to study final visit (week 8)
- start or adjust methotrexate 3 weeks prior to final study visit.
- Prior use of biological medication
- Prior treatment with EEN or other dietary therapy for Crohn's disease.
- Prior treatment with antibiotics for Crohn's disease.
- Known allergies to any of the food components in the smoothie.
- Admission to hospital due to severity of Crohn's disease and associated symptoms.
- Unwillingness to provide informed consent.
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dalhousie University
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 12, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations