Evaluation and Modulation of Gut Microbiome Dysfunction in Chronically Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Pilot Study

TL;DR

This study explores how gut microbiome changes in critically ill patients can be safely modulated to improve health outcomes and reduce pneumonia risk.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel microbiota-oriented treatment strategy for chronically critically ill patients.

Findings

A microbiota-oriented strategy improved neurological condition and reduced inflammation in CCI patients.

The approach normalized hematological and biochemical parameters without promoting harmful microbes.

The incidence of pneumonia was significantly reduced in CCI patients during the 28-day observation.

Abstract

Assessing gut microbiota disturbances for subsequent modulation remains a challenge. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a microbiota-oriented strategy in treating patients with chronic critical illness (CCI). This single-center prospective study included chronically critically ill patients, stratified into three groups by severity of microbiota dysfunction. Three different microbiota modulation regimens including metabiotics, enteral, and anaerobic-safe systemic antibiotics were applied subsequently. Forty-three patients with chronic critical illness were included. Mild microbiota dysfunction was present in 49% patients, moderate in 19% and severe in 32%. Monitoring of biomarkers for 14 days confirmed the safety of reducing the pharmacological load in mild to moderate microbiota dysfunction. The microbiota-oriented strategy demonstrated improvements in neurological condition, a decrease in inflammation, and normalization of several hematological and biochemical parameters, without contributing to the activation of opportunistic microorganisms in the intestinal microbiota. The incidence of pneumonia in patients with CCI was reduced significantly during the 28-day observation period. The results of the pilot study suggest the potential benefits of a microbiota-oriented strategy in preventing nosocomial pneumonia in CCI patients.

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