P927 Corticosteroid treatment in pediatric IBD patients reshapes the gut microbiota
Singh , P.(1);Sundararajan, S.(2);Terranegra, A.(1);Elawad, M.(2);Akobeng, A.(2);Al Khodor, S.(1)*;
(1)Sidra Medicine, Research, Doha, Qatar;(2)Sidra Medicine, Pediatrics Gastroenterology- Hepatology and Nutrition, Doha, Qatar;
Background
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pediatric populations comprises 25% of all cases of IBD, which is a chronic immune-mediated inflammation of the intestinal tract. The clinical course of IBD is demonstrated in relapsing and remitting phases that require lifelong monitoring and treatment. The complex interactions between mucosal immunity and the intestinal microbiota are well-known in the pathogenesis of IBD. Corticosteroids are commonly administered to reduce IBD-associated mucosal inflammation and gastrointestinal symptoms. Whether or not corticosteroids beneficially modulate the mucosal microbiota to help reduce intestinal inflammation in pediatric patients with IBD has not been evaluated with interventional studies.
Methods
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of corticosteroids on the diversity and composition of gut microbiota in pediatric IBD patients. Ten pediatric patients diagnosed with IBD were treated with corticosteroids for 2-3 months. Stool samples were collected before and 8 weeks after treatment. The diversity and composition of gut microbiota were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Results
Our results suggest that 3 months of corticosteroid treatment result in an increase in alpha diversity(p<0.05). The community structure of gut bacteria was significantly different (p<0.05) pre and post-treatment, with higher abundances of Bacteroides ovatus Bacteroides fragilis whereas the lower abundance of Prevotella copri and Alistipes finegoldi was observed(p<0.05). In conclusion, the diversity and composition of bacteria differ as a result of corticosteroid administration. Since gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating inflammatory conditions such as IBD
Conclusion
Reshaping intestinal microbiota through corticosteroid therapy may be a viable treatment option.