Clinical fellow Seoul National University Children's Hospital Jong-ro Gu, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea
Background: The microbiome of preterm infants can differ from that of term infants due to exposure to intrauterine infections or maternal antibiotic use at birth. In addition, the immune system of preterm infants is immature, which makes them more susceptible to inflammation. Therefore, the composition of harmful microbiota can induce exaggerated inflammatory responses. Given that most morbidities in preterm infants can be attributed to immaturity and inflammation, it is reasonable to assume a correlation between the microbiome and morbidity in preterm infants. Additionally, molecules such as short-chain fatty acids and cytokines can be produced through interactions between the microbiota and the intestinal mucosa. These molecules can be transported to the brain through the bloodstream, lymphatic system, or alternative pathways and affect brain development. Objective: The aim is to verify whether the microbiota in preterm infants impacts brain development and developmental outcomes. Additionally, we will explore the role of short-chain fatty acids in this process. Design/Methods: In a prospective cohort study, preterm infants born at gestational ages less than 28 weeks were included. Stool and blood specimens were methodically collected at four specific time points: immediately after birth, two weeks post-birth, at a postmenstrual age (PMA) of 31+0 to 31+6 weeks, and at a PMA of 35 to 38 weeks. Microbiome analysis was conducted using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Brain MRI were performed at term equivalent age, and assessments utilizing the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III were conducted at a corrected age of 24 months. Additionally, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers was administered at 36 months of age. The analysis of the microbiome was conducted in conjunction with measurements of short-chain fatty acids in both blood and stool samples at each time point to investigate their potential association with the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the study population. This study was approved by the IRB of Seoul National University Hospital.
