Exposure of anti-infective drugs and the dynamic changes of the gut microbiota during gastrointestinal mucositis in autologous stem cell transplant patients: a pilot study

Anne Grete Märtson*, Ana Rita da Silva Ferreira, Anette Veringa, Lei Liu, Hannah R. Wardill, Lenneke A.T. Junier, Tjip S. van der Werf, Hermie J.M. Harmsen, Marieke G.G. Sturkenboom, Lambert F. Span, Wim J.E. Tissing, Jan Willem C. Alffenaar

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
53 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Gastrointestinal mucositis could potentially compromise drug absorption due to functional loss of mucosa and other pathophysiological changes in the gastrointestinal microenvironment. Little is known about this effect on commonly used anti-infectives. This study aimed to explore the association between different stages of gastrointestinal mucositis, drug exposure, and gut microbiota. A prospective, observational pilot study was performed in HSCT patients aged ≥ 18 years receiving anti-infectives orally. Left-over blood samples and fecal swabs were collected from routine clinical care until 14 days after HSCT to analyze drug and citrulline concentrations and to determine the composition of the gut microbiota. 21 patients with a median age of 58 (interquartile range 54–64) years were included with 252 citrulline, 155 ciprofloxacin, 139 fluconazole, and 76 acyclovir concentrations and 48 fecal swabs obtained. Severe gastrointestinal mucositis was observed in all patients. Due to limited data correlation analysis was not done for valacyclovir and fluconazole, however we did observe a weak correlation between ciprofloxacin and citrulline concentrations. This could suggest that underexposure of ciprofloxacin can occur during severe mucositis. A follow-up study using frequent sampling rather than the use of left-over would be required to investigate the relationship between gastrointestinal mucositis, drug exposure, and gut microbiome.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)421-427
Number of pages7
JournalAnnals of Hematology
Volume102
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb-2023

Keywords

  • Antibiotic exposure
  • Autologous transplant
  • Gastrointestinal mucositis
  • Microbiota
  • Stem cell transplantation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exposure of anti-infective drugs and the dynamic changes of the gut microbiota during gastrointestinal mucositis in autologous stem cell transplant patients: a pilot study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this