Microbiome and its relevance in the various pediatric pathologies: A systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on the role of the gut microbiome in pediatric pathologies, identifying clinical manifestations and treatment methods. Methodology: Systematic review guided by the question: "What is the biological and immunological mechanism regarding the interaction between the microbiome in susceptibility and in the development of different pathologies in pediatric patients?". Searches were performed in the PubMed Central (PMC) database using the descriptors: Intestinal Microbiome, Dysbiosis and Children. A total of 210 articles were found, of which 31 were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 14 articles were chosen to compose the collection. Results: The gut microbiome is crucial in the development of pediatric pathologies such as inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, and metabolic disorders. Clinical manifestations range from gastrointestinal symptoms to systemic complications. Treatments include dietary interventions, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. The prevention and management of these conditions require a multidisciplinary approach. Conclusion: The interaction between the gut microbiota and the development of health conditions, such as allergic, respiratory, metabolic, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric diseases, evidences its central role in immune, metabolic, and cognitive regulation since childhood. Dysbiosis is associated with diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, autism, and depression. Early interventions, such as balanced diets, hold promise for prevention and management. Future studies should focus on targeted microbiological therapies to prevent and treat pathologies associated with dysbiosis.