Lack of gut microbiome recovery with spinal cord injury rehabilitation

GUT MICROBES, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2024.2309682 · Published: January 19, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Gastroenterology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines the gut microbiome composition in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) during the sub-acute rehabilitation process and the chronic phase of the injury. It compares these individuals to age and gender-matched controls. The study found that time from the injury was a major factor influencing gut microbiome composition. Surprisingly, the gut microbiome did not recover during rehabilitation, and it deviated further from the non-SCI control group in chronic ambulatory SCI patients. The findings were generalized by comparing them to previous cohorts with SCI, individuals with low physical activity, and those with less normal stool consistency.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

63 participants (13 sub-acute SCI, 18 chronic SCI, 32 controls)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The gut microbiome composition is significantly affected by the time elapsed since the spinal cord injury.
2
Gut microbial diversity is reduced in chronic SCI patients compared to both sub-acute SCI patients and healthy controls.
3
There is a lack of gut microbial recovery during the rehabilitation process in the sub-acute phase of SCI.

Research Summary

This study investigates the gut microbiome of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) at different stages of rehabilitation, comparing them to healthy controls. The primary aim was to determine if the gut microbiome recovers over time post-injury. The results indicate a significant lack of gut microbial recovery during rehabilitation, with the chronic SCI group exhibiting a greater deviation from the microbial composition of healthy controls. The study also found similarities between the gut microbiome of SCI patients and that of individuals with low physical activity and hard stool consistency, suggesting potential links between these factors.

Practical Implications

Future Rehabilitation Strategies

The lack of gut microbiome recovery suggests that future rehabilitation strategies should consider interventions aimed at restoring gut health, such as dietary modifications or fecal microbiota transplantation.

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Understanding the relationship between time since injury and gut microbiome composition could lead to more personalized treatment approaches tailored to the specific stage of SCI and individual patient needs.

Biomarker for SCI Recovery

Restoration of the microbiome composition may be another desirable measure for SCI recovery in the future

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small sample size
2
Limited data regarding dietary preferences, physical activity, and bowel habits
3
Possible coexisting confounders include dietary alterations, reduced mobility, and recurrent antibiotic use

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