Impact of Total Parenteral Nutrition on Gut Microbiota in Pediatric Population Suffering Intestinal Disorders

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Neonatology and Pediatrics

Background:

• Parenteral nutrition (PN) is crucial for infants with digestive complications but can cause gut atrophy and dysbiosis.
• Gut microbiota alterations are linked to functional and clinical outcomes in patients receiving long-term PN.
• Understanding PN's impact on the gut microbiome is vital for managing pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of PN on the gut microbiome in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal diseases.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in PN-associated gut disorders.
• To highlight the need for standardized research methods for better interpretation of gut microbiota roles.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of current evidence on PN and gut microbiome in pediatric populations.
• Analysis of studies involving necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), short bowel syndrome (SBS), liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Discussion of potential interventions like prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics.

Main Results:

• PN significantly influences gut microbiome composition and function in infants and children.
• Gut dysbiosis associated with PN can exacerbate gastrointestinal disorders like NEC and SBS.
• Pre-, pro-, and synbiotics show promise in mitigating PN-related gut complications and reducing mortality.

Conclusions:

• PN-induced gut dysbiosis presents significant challenges in pediatric gastrointestinal care.
• Therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiota with prebiotics and probiotics may improve outcomes.
• Further well-designed, harmonized studies are essential to optimize personalized microbiota-based interventions.