Early modifications of the gut microbiome in children with hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS/VOD) represents a dramatic complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly in children. Recent evidence has suggested a role for the gut microbiome (GM) in the context of HSCT and its related complications, but no data are available on the relationship between GM and SOS/VOD. Here, we conducted a retrospective case-control study in allo-HSCT pediatric patients developing or not SOS/VOD and profiled their GM over time, from before the transplant up to 72 days after. A rich and diverse GM before HSCT was found to be associated with a reduced likelihood of developing SOS/VOD. Furthermore, prior to transplant, patients not developing SOS/VOD showed an enrichment in some typically health-associated commensals, such as Bacteroides, Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Their levels remained overall higher until post-transplant. This high-diversity configuration resembles that described in other studies for other HSCT-related complications, including graft-versus-host disease, potentially representing a common protective GM feature against HSCT complications.

Automated summary

This study found that a rich and diverse gut microbiome before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was associated with a reduced likelihood of developing hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. Patients who did not develop the syndrome showed enrichment in health-associated commensals before the transplant. This high-diversity configuration may represent a common protective feature against complications of HSCT.