CALINA-IBDMaternal Gut Microbiota, Diet, and Infant Fecal Calprotectin Levels in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This study focuses on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), a condition that often affects people during their reproductive years. About 25% of IBD patients have children after their diagnosis. The study aims to understand how the mother's gut microbiome, diet, and breastmilk composition might influence the infant's health. Specifically, it looks at a marker of gastrointestinal inflammation called fecal calprotectin (FCP). High FCP levels in infants can lead to increased risks of asthma, eczema, and IBD later in life. The study hopes to identify factors that could guide dietary interventions to improve infant health outcomes. During the study, changes in microbiota and dietary habits will be evaluated in mothers with IBD and without IBD, both during and after pregnancy. Data and samples will be collected at four different times: during the 3rd trimester, 2 weeks after birth, 3 months after birth, and 1 year after birth. These samples include stool samples from both mother and infant, breastmilk, and vaginal swabs. The primary outcome is to determine the association between the mother's gut microbiota during the third trimester and early postpartum period, and the infant's FCP levels at 3 months and 1 year. This association will be studied while also considering the mother's adherence to a Mediterranean diet.