BASICS-KidsButyric Acid for Gut Health in Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

The study explores the use of butyric acid in a liquid form to help improve gut health in infants and young children, aged 1 month to 3 years, who have congenital heart disease and are scheduled for cardiac surgery. The aim is to see if taking this supplement daily for three weeks before surgery can make the gut healthier, potentially reducing issues like gut permeability and inflammation after the surgery. This is important because reducing these complications could lead to better recovery and outcomes for children undergoing heart surgery. In the study, participants will be assigned to one of three groups: one taking 2 mL of butyric acid, another taking 4 mL, and a third taking a placebo, all once a day for three weeks before their surgery. They will provide blood and stool samples at various times to check for changes in their gut health and inflammation levels. Participants will also keep a daily log to record when they take the supplement and any side effects. The study will measure the supplement's safety and its effects on gut health and inflammation by analyzing these samples and logs.