Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
Published on: January 27, 2019
Meconium microbiome and its relation to neonatal growth and head circumference catch-up in preterm infants
Ana Carolina Terrazzan Nutricionist1, Renato S Procianoy2, Luiz Fernando Wurdig Roesch3
1Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health-PPGSCA, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Insights
The meconium microbiome in preterm infants is linked to birth weight adequacy and head circumference growth. Specific bacteria in meconium may predict catch-up growth timing in premature babies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal microbiome research
- Pediatric growth and development
Background:
- Preterm infants often experience extra-uterine growth restriction (EUGR).
- Head circumference catch-up is a critical indicator of neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
- The early life microbiome, including meconium, may influence infant growth trajectories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the meconium microbiome and extra-uterine growth restriction in preterm infants.
- To explore the relationship between meconium microbiota composition and head circumference catch-up timing.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 63 preterm infants (<33 weeks gestational age).
- Meconium samples analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing (PGM Ion Torrent).
- Infants monitored for head circumference catch-up by 6 months corrected age.
Main Results:
- Meconium microbiome composition differed based on birth weight adequacy for gestational age.
- Specific bacterial genera (Polynucleobacter, Gp1, Prevotella) were more abundant in infants with adequate birth weight.
- Distinct microbial profiles were observed between infants achieving head circumference catch-up before or after 6 months corrected age.
- Salmonella, Flavobacterium, and Burkholderia were more abundant in infants achieving catch-up earlier.
Conclusions:
- Meconium microbiome composition is associated with birth weight adequacy in preterm infants.
- The meconium microbiome profile can differentiate preterm infants based on their head circumference catch-up timing.
Abstract:
The purpose was identify an association between meconium microbiome, extra-uterine growth restriction, and head circumference catch-up.
Materials And Methods:
Prospective study with preterm infants born <33 weeks gestational age (GA), admitted at Neonatal Unit and attending the Follow-Up Preterm Program of a tertiary hospital. Excluded out born infants; presence of congenital malformations or genetic syndromes; congenital infections; HIV-positive mothers; and newborns whose parents or legal guardians did not authorize participation. Approved by the institution's ethics committee. Conducted 16S rRNA sequencing using PGM Ion Torrent meconium samples for microbiota analysis.
Results:
Included 63 newborns, GA 30±2.3 weeks, mean weight 1375.80±462.6 grams, 68.3% adequate weight for GA at birth. Polynucleobacter (p = 0.0163), Gp1 (p = 0.018), and Prevotella (p = 0.038) appeared in greater abundance in meconium of preterm infants with adequate birth weight for GA. Thirty (47.6%) children reached head circumference catch-up before 6 months CA and 33 (52.4%) after 6 months CA. Salmonella (p<0.001), Flavobacterium (p = 0.026), and Burkholderia (p = 0.026) were found to be more abundant in meconium in the group of newborns who achieved catch-up prior to 6th month CA.
Conclusion:
Meconium microbiome abundance was related to adequacy of weight for GA. Meconium microbiome differs between children who achieve head circumference catch-up by the 6th month of corrected age or after this period.
