Fecal microbiota transplantation in recurrent infection: A retrospective single-center chart review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been proposed as a treatment option for patients with recurrent (C. difficile) infection but remains a novel option. We examined if FMT is an effective means of treating recurrent infection.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 35 patients who underwent FMT was completed. Demographics and other variables, including the use of proton pump inhibitor therapy and history of inflammatory bowel disease, were collected.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (71.4%) belonged to a high-risk population (working in a hospital setting, rehabilitation center, or nursing facility) and a total of 74.3% of patients ( = 26 patients) had no history of proton pump inhibitor use. Twenty-five patients (71.4%) had used metronidazole prior to transplantation, 35 patients (100%) had used vancomycin, and 7 patients (20%) had used fidaxomicin for prior infection. Four patients (11.4%) had used all three antibiotics during prior treatment. Of the eight patients who had a history of inflammatory bowel disease, six (75%) experienced resolution of symptoms after transplantation. A total of 30 patients (85.7%) had resolution of their symptoms 6-8 weeks' posttransplant, while 5 patients (14.3%) continued to have symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our retrospective chart review supports that patients benefit from FMT in the setting of recurrent infection.