Exploring determinants of the microbiome in high-risk NICU infants: A scoping review

Abstract

Objective This scoping review aims to identify and synthesize factors influencing the microbiome of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to inform evidence-based care practices and recommend future research. Methods This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. The search encompassed five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) on NICU infants and factors related to their microbiome. Results Finally, 24 studies were analyzed in this review. Factors influencing the NICU infants' microbiome were categorized into four groups: nutritional, infant-related, clinical treatment-related, and environmental factors. Among these factors, probiotics and human milk positively affected whereas antibiotics negatively affected the infant's microbiome in the NICU. Conclusion Treatments and care practices in the NICU can affect the microbiome development and diversity in infants. Understanding these factors is essential for neonatal nurses to provide evidence-based care. Future studies should investigate the relationship between the NICU's physical and human environment and the infant's microbiome.