Gut Microbiome May Be A Predictor For Cirrhosis Hospitalizations

Analysis of microbial DNA and microbial RNA used along with current clinical methods has been determined by this study to predict 90 day hospitalizations more accurately. Analysis of microbial DNA identifies dead and live bacterial species, microbial RNA analysis identifies metabolically active microbial species.

National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that cirrhosis hospitalizations can be exorbitantly expensive, and that cirrhosis is a worldwide leading cause of of health expenditures due to hospitalization and mortality. Cirrhosis is late stage scarring of the liver caused by diseases and conditions such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism.

Relative abundances of non-pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria in gut microbiome were theorized to possibly be able to be accurate predictors due to the link with inflammations which most often leads to infection. A trial was conducted of cirrhosis patients who were classified according to related complications including infections and renal dysfunction. RNA and DNA analysis were both found to be equally effective predictors when combined with standard predictive blood testing, and was more effective than blood test scores alone. RNA and DNA analysis were also found to identify similar beneficial bacteria but differed in pathogenic bacteria identified in all groups of tested cirrhosis patients.

Preparation for multicenter trials within a consortium of research centers are underway which could collaborate to further confirm effectiveness of RNA and DNA microbial analysis in cirrhosis outcome prediction to improve the current status quo.