O50 Longitudinal analysis of the metabolome in early life in preterm babies

Background Information on the metabolome in early life is still limited. Here, we describe evolution of preterm babies during their first weeks life. Methods Multiple stool samples from 69 were collected across 7 hospitals UK. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analysed by running an aliquot (mean=80.6 mg, SD=12.3 mg) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data interpreted using AMDIS with NIST reference library. Statistical analysis to identify factors that influenced included clustering, PERMANOVA and linear mixed-effects modeling carried out R. Results Several metabolomic results; most relevant, was as expected, individual, followed hospital, age days, gestational age. As run two different batches, a batch effect observed. The baby both number VOCs VOC profile. Number increased over time; sharp rise observed after day 5 it stablised 10. In terms observed, shift 5, observation produced during, or by-products carbohydrate, fermentation (i.e. butane-2,3-dione, propyl acetate, propan-1-ol propanoate). Meanwhile, branched short chain fatty acid (BSCFA), bacteria colon amino acids fermentation, before days This also case for butanoic acid. Conclusion study shows time how changes babies. A when started be fed interestingly this becomes stable relatively soon (during second week). likely related meconium stool. BSCFA week suggests these come degradation protein-rich amniotic fluid, meanwhile acids, alcohols esters only appears milk.