Site- and Taxa-Specific Disease-Associated Oral Microbial Structures Distinguish Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

BACKGROUND

The gut and oral microbiome have independently been shown to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it is not known to what extent gut and oral microbial disease markers converge in terms of their composition in IBD. Further, the spatial and temporal variation within the oral microenvironments of IBD remain to be elucidated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used a prospectively recruited cohort of patients with IBD (n = 47) and unrelated healthy control patients (n = 18) to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of microbiota within the various oral microenvironments, represented by saliva, tongue, buccal mucosa, and plaque, and compared them with stool. Microbiome characterization was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

RESULTS

The oral microbiome displayed IBD-associated dysbiosis, in a site- and taxa-specific manner. Plaque samples depicted a relatively severe degree of dysbiosis, and the disease-associated dysbiotic bacterial groups were predominantly the members of the phylum Firmicutes. Our 16S rRNA gene analyses show that oral microbiota can distinguish patients with IBD from healthy control patients, with salivary microbiota performing the best, closely matched by stool and other oral sites. Longitudinal profiles of microbial composition suggest that some taxa are more consistently perturbed than others, preferentially in a site-dependent fashion.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these data indicate the potential of using oral microbial profiles in screening and monitoring patients with IBD. Furthermore, these results support the importance of spatial and longitudinal microbiome sampling to interpret disease-associated dysbiotic states and eventually to gain insights into disease pathogenesis.

Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Review of Classification, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Best Practices

BACKGROUND

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but life-altering disease resulting from compression of the nerve roots at the spinal cord's terminus. CES typically presents with low back pain, sciatica, sensorimotor deficits, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Owing to its rarity, the condition is often missed, leading to significant morbidity and potential legal implications for physicians.

METHODS

This review synthesizes the current literature on CES, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, classifications, and management strategies. Emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and treatment of CES as well as the legal implications of CES for spine surgeons.

RESULTS

The literature reveals variability in the reported prevalence of CES, with incidence rates ranging from 0.34 to 7 per 100,000 individuals annually. The timing of decompression remains debated. Some studies report no significant difference in outcomes between decompression within 24 hours vs. 48 hours, while others emphasize the importance of immediate intervention. Legal cases related to CES frequently involve delayed diagnosis, with significant ramifications for physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical decompression remains the definitive treatment of CES, though the timing of surgery requires careful consideration to balance the urgency of intervention with the risks of complications. Further research is needed to explore strategies that would allow for improvement in identifying and treating patients with CES in a timely manner.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.