Gut microbiome in paediatric short bowel syndrome: a systematic review and sequencing re-analysis.

Abstract

Children with short bowel syndrome depend on parenteral nutrition, which carries significant risks. Short bowel syndrome patients show reduced gut microbial diversity, increased inflammation-associated bacteria, and fewer beneficial bacteria.

This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis examining the gut microbiome in children with short bowel syndrome. The review demonstrated significantly lower bacterial diversity and richness in children with short bowel syndrome, regardless of achievement of intestinal autonomy.

Diversity and richness were greater in children who achieved intestinal autonomy than those on parenteral nutrition, though not statistically significant. Larger studies adjusting for confounding factors may identify future therapeutic strategies.

COI Statement

Competing interests: J.S.C., G.R.Y., D.I.C., F.C., A.R.G. have no competing interests to declare. C.J.S. declares lecture honoraria from Nestlé Nutrition Institute. J.E.B. declares research grants from Danone Early Life Nutrition, NeoKare UK, and Prolacta Bioscience paid to their institution in the last 5 years. Consent statement: Not applicable due to the nature of the study being a systematic review. Study Registration: The study protocol was registered with OSF: registration number osf.io/385rj, on 5th April 2024 https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5PHU7 .

References:

Modi, B. P. et al. ASPEN definitions in pediatric intestinal failure. JPEN J. Parenter. Enter. Nutr. 46, 42–59 (2022).
Hill, S. et al. ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition: Home parenteral nutrition. Clin. Nutr. 37, 2401–2408 (2018).
Jo, S. Y. C. et al. Outcomes of children with chronic intestinal failure: Experience over 2 decades at a Tertiary Paediatric Hospital. J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 69, e79–e87 (2019).
Pierret, A. C. S., Wilkinson, J. T., Zilbauer, M. & Mann, J. P. Clinical outcomes in pediatric intestinal failure: a meta-analysis and meta-regression. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 110, 430–436 (2019).
Hou, K. et al. Microbiota in health and diseases. Signal Transduct. Target Ther. 7, 135 (2022).

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Doi:

10.1038/s41390-025-04083-0

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Gut microbiome in paediatric short bowel syndrome: a systematic review and sequencing re-analysis.

Abstract

COI Statement

References:

Modi, B. P. et al. ASPEN definitions in pediatric intestinal failure. JPEN J. Parenter. Enter. Nutr. 46, 42–59 (2022).
Hill, S. et al. ESPGHAN/ESPEN/ESPR/CSPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition: Home parenteral nutrition. Clin. Nutr. 37, 2401–2408 (2018).
Jo, S. Y. C. et al. Outcomes of children with chronic intestinal failure: Experience over 2 decades at a Tertiary Paediatric Hospital. J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 69, e79–e87 (2019).
Pierret, A. C. S., Wilkinson, J. T., Zilbauer, M. & Mann, J. P. Clinical outcomes in pediatric intestinal failure: a meta-analysis and meta-regression. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 110, 430–436 (2019).
Hou, K. et al. Microbiota in health and diseases. Signal Transduct. Target Ther. 7, 135 (2022).