Congenital diarrheas and enteropathies (CODE) are a group of rare, heterogenous, monogenic disorders that lead to chronic diarrhea in infancy. Definitive treatment is rarely available, and supportive treatment is the mainstay. Nutritional management in the form of either specialized formulas, restrictive diet, or parenteral nutrition support in CODE with poor enteral tolerance, is the cornerstone of CODE treatment and long-term growth. The evidence to support the use of specific diet regimens and nutritional approaches in most CODE disorders is limited due to the rarity of those diseases and the scant published clinical experience. The goal of this review is to create a comprehensive guide for nutritional management in CODE, based on the currently available literature, disease mechanism and the PediCODE group experience. Enteral diet management in CODE can be divided into 3 distinct conceptual frameworks - nutrient elimination, nutrient supplementation, and generalized nutrient restriction. Response to nutrient elimination or supplementation can lead to resolution or significant improvement in the chronic diarrhea of CODE and resumption of normal growth. This pattern can be seen in CODE due to carbohydrate malabsorption, defects in fat absorption and occasionally in electrolyte transport defects. In contrast, general diet restriction is mainly supportive. However, occasionally it allows parenteral nutrition weaning or reduction overtime mainly in enteroendocrine defects and rarely in epithelial trafficking and polarity defects. Further research is required to better elucidate the role of diet in the treatment of CODE and the appropriate diet management for each disease.
Keywords: Children; Neonatal diarrhea; Nutrition; Parenteral nutrition; enteral autonomy; food; formula; treatment; tube feeding; weaning.
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