Study of Microbiome Changes in Skin and Gut of Adults with Healed Burn Injuries Compared to Healthy Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how the skin and gut microbiomes change over time in adults who have suffered burn injuries compared to healthy individuals. The study focuses on understanding microbial imbalances that may occur not only at burn sites but also on non-burned skin and the gut. This observational cohort study aims to explore the links between these microbiome changes, skin-barrier recovery, and systemic immune responses, enrolling 660 participants including 600 burn patients and 60 healthy controls. Burn patients will provide skin swabs from both burned scars and matched non-burned skin, stool samples, and undergo skin physiological measurements at five time points baseline within 7 days after hospital admission, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after injury. Healthy controls will provide skin and stool samples only once at baseline. Sample analysis includes 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing for microbial profiling and functional prediction using PICRUSt2. Blood tests for inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate will also be conducted. Participants will undergo assessments including transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, pH, erythema, and elasticity using standardized instruments at each time point. The study will monitor changes in skin and gut microbiome diversity and function, as well as skin barrier health and systemic inflammation over two years. These comprehensive evaluations aim to provide insights into burn-related microbial changes and their impact on recovery, potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies in long-term burn care.

Dynamics of Dysbiosis in the Skin and Gut Microbiome of Burn Patients