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Updated: Nov 5, 2025
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Experiences and perceptions of patients with psoriatic arthritis participating in a trial of faecal microbiota
Maja Skov Kragsnaes1, Shaun Theodor Sødergren2,3, Jens Kjeldsen4
1Department of Rheumatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark d063631@dadlnet.dk.
Objectives:
Patients' first-hand experiences of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) performed in a rheumatological care setting have yet to be elucidated. The objectives were to explore participants' perceptions of being part of an FMT trial thereby identifying potential trial participation effects and enlightening the patient perspective on the outlook for future FMT trials in rheumatic diseases.
Design:
In a qualitative study nested within a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) testing FMT as a potential new antirheumatic treatment, semistructured telephone interviews were conducted following the trial participants' final 26-week visit. Qualitative researchers, who did not take part in the main trial, performed the interviews and the primary analysis. The experiences explored related to the conduct of the RCT and changes in the participants' everyday life. The analysis was carried out using a thematic approach.
Setting:
A Danish rheumatology university outpatient clinic with nationwide inclusion.
Participants:
The study included 10 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who were unaware of their treatment allocation (FMT/sham transplantation) and completed the final 26-week trial visit.
Results:
Participation in the RCT influenced the patients' understanding of PsA and induced positive changes in their everyday life. Renewed hopes for the future in addition to a feeling of enhanced care contributed to significant trial participation effects. FMT was deemed a tolerable and safe treatment.
Conclusions:
Discrepancies between the clinical and the research setting should be considered when discussing the clinical relevance of the results of the RCT. Overall, patients with PsA who have participated in an RCT testing FMT find the treatment acceptable and safe encouraging more research into the field of microbiota-targeted interventions in rheumatic diseases.
Trial Registration Number:
NCT03058900; Pre-results.
Insights
Patients undergoing faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for psoriatic arthritis found the treatment safe and acceptable. Trial participation positively impacted their understanding of the disease and daily life, fostering hope for future microbiota-targeted therapies in rheumatic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is being investigated as a novel treatment for rheumatic diseases.
- Patient experiences with FMT in rheumatological settings are not well understood.
- Understanding patient perspectives is crucial for evaluating FMT's potential in rheumatology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore patient experiences with FMT in a clinical trial for psoriatic arthritis.
- To identify potential effects of trial participation on patients' lives.
- To gauge patient perspectives on future FMT trials for rheumatic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study nested within a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
- Semistructured telephone interviews conducted with 10 psoriatic arthritis patients post-trial.
- Thematic analysis of interview data focusing on trial conduct and life changes.
Main Results:
- Trial participation enhanced patients' understanding of psoriatic arthritis and improved their daily lives.
- Patients reported renewed hope and a feeling of enhanced care.
- Faecal microbiota transplantation was perceived as tolerable and safe.
Conclusions:
- Patients with psoriatic arthritis found FMT acceptable and safe, supporting further research.
- Trial participation itself yielded positive psychological and practical benefits for patients.
- Consideration of clinical versus research settings is important for interpreting FMT trial outcomes.
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