Premodulator microbiome alterations associated with postmodulator growth outcomes in pediatric cystic fibrosis: Can we predict outcomes?

The gut microbiota plays an important role in childhood growth. Our longitudinal cohort includes children with cystic fibrosis (CwCF) treated with highly effective modulator therapy. We aimed to elucidate early premodulator microbial signatures associated with postmodulator weight for CwCF later in childhood. Stool samples were collected from CwCF at 13 days to 60 months. Metagenomic sequencing determined differentially abundant taxa. Children with body mass index or weight for length Z-scores within 1 standard deviation of the mean (SD) were considered normal weight, those >1 SD were classified as risk of overweight while children