“The impact of the gut microbiota on the recovery of critically ill patients”
Keywords:
Intestinal microbiota, Dysbiosis, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Microbiome-targeted therapy, Critical patient recoveryAbstract
Objectve: The intestinal microbiota is a complex community of microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract, playing a crucial role in maintaining and protecting human health. In critically ill patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), profound alterations in its composition are frequently observed, characterizing dysbiosis. This dysbiosis is closely associated with immune dysfunction, leading to increased intestinal permeability, a higher risk of infections, metabolic interaction disturbances, and loss of epithelial integrity. Consequently, these factors may negatively affect the clinical recovery of patients, which has driven current research into interventions aimed at restoring microbial balance. This integrative literature review aims to highlight the role of the intestinal microbiota in the pathophysiology of critical illnesses, as well as to explore the impacts and therapeutic approaches to improve recovery outcomes in critically ill patients.
References
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