New publication: In critically ill patients, anti-anaerobic antibiotics increase risk of adverse clinical outcomes
Out today in the European Respiratory Journal: our lab’s newest study looking at the role of the microbiome in critical illness. Our team, led by Rishi Chanderraj, studied the effects of anti-anaerobic antibiotics (which deplete the gut of protective bacteria) on clinical outcomes. In a cohort of >3,000 mechanically ventilated patients, early exposure to anti-anaerobic antibiotics was associated with a 7% absolute increased in 30-day mortality. This effect persisted when controlled for potential confounders, and we recapitulated it in two mouse models (both infectious and non-infectious).
The gut microbiome is an organ. When we devastate it with anti-anaerobic antibiotics, we induce organ failure. This has consequences in our patient’s immunity, metabolism, and susceptibility to infections. We are worried that this common clinical practice is hurting our patients.
Huge congratulations to Rishi and the rest of the team!
Rishi Chanderraj