Feeding intolerance after pediatric cardiac surgery is associated with dysbiosis, barrier dysfunction, and reduced short-chain fatty acids
Jacob Owens, Haowen Qiu, Cole Knoblich, Lisa Nicole Gerjevic, Jacques Izard, Linda Xu, Junghyae Lee, Sai Sundeep Kollala, Daryl J. Murry, Jean-Jack M. Riethoven, Jesse Davidson, Amar Singh, Ali N. Ibrahimiye, Laura Ortmann, Jeffrey Salomon
Abstract
Feeding intolerance contributes to postoperative morbidity following pediatric cardiac surgery. The intestinal microbiome and milieu play a vital role in gut function. Short-chain fatty acids are gut and cardioprotective metabolites produced by commensal bacteria and help maintain appropriate barrier function. Depletion of these metabolites and barrier dysfunction contribute to postoperative feeding intolerance following cardiac surgery. Identifying mechanistic targets to improve the intestinal milieu with the goal of improved nutrition and clinical outcomes is critical.