Oropharyngeal administration of colostrum targeting gut microbiota and metabolites in very preterm infants: protocol...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal microbiome research
• Gastrointestinal development in preterm infants
• Immunonutrition strategies

Background:

• Oropharyngeal administration of colostrum (OAC) stimulates immune responses and promotes gastrointestinal maturation.
• The precise mechanisms by which OAC influences gut microbiota and intestinal development in preterm infants remain largely unknown.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing infant nutrition and health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of OAC on gut microbiota composition and metabolites in very preterm infants.
• To elucidate the role of OAC in promoting intestinal maturation through alterations in the gut microbiome.
• To provide evidence for the potential benefits of OAC as a supportive therapy in neonatal intensive care.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks, birth weight < 1500 g).
• Intervention group received OAC (0.2 ml every 3 h for 5 days); control group received sterile water.
• Stool sample analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry at multiple time points post-birth.

Main Results:

• The study is currently recruiting participants and awaiting results.
• Analysis will focus on changes in bacterial diversity, abundance, and metabolic profiles.
• Expected findings will detail how OAC influences the establishment and development of the infant gut microbiome.

Conclusions:

• OAC is proposed as a safe and potentially beneficial protocol for neonatal intensive care units.
• Findings may support the establishment of a beneficial intestinal flora in preterm infants.
• This research could lead to improved health outcomes for preterm infants through targeted gut microbiota modulation.