The skin microbiota of preterm infants and impact of diaper change frequency.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the impact of diaper change frequency, clinical characteristics, and skin health metrics on development of the skin microbiota in preterm infants.

Design

A randomized controlled parallel design was used.

Methods

Medically stable preterm infants born <33 weeks' gestation were randomized to receive diaper changes at a frequency of every 3-hours or every 6-hours. Skin swabs were collected longitudinally from the diapered skin (buttocks) and chest. Skin pH and transepidermal water loss were measured with each sample collection. Stool samples were collected from the diaper. The microbiome at each site was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Associations between microbiome features, diaper change frequency, and other covariates were examined usi

SUBMITTER: Younge NE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11293746 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature