Early Results of Fecal Microbial Transplantation Protocol Implementation at a Community-based University Hospital

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a prevalent healthcare-associated infection.
• Gut microbiota disruption, often due to antibiotics, facilitates CDI pathogenesis.
• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an emerging treatment option for recurrent or refractory CDI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of an implemented Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Protocol (FMTP) at a community-based university hospital.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of FMT for patients diagnosed with CDI.

Main Methods:

• Prospective tracking of 35 patients receiving FMT between July 2015 and February 2017.
• FMT administered via colonoscopy for patients with recurrent, severe, or complicated CDI.
• Clinical parameters monitored included cure rates, relapse, side effects, disease severity (HVCSS), and mortality.

Main Results:

• Primary cure was achieved in 86% (30/35) of patients.
• Overall non-surgical cure rate was 94%.
• Factors associated with FMT failure included older age, female sex, severe CDI, and active opioid use.

Conclusions:

• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective and safe treatment for CDI in a community hospital setting.
• The implemented FMTP demonstrated high cure rates comparable to other studies.
• The potential role of opioids in modulating CDI warrants further clinical investigation.