Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Therapeutic Evaluation of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in an Interleukin 10-Deficient Mouse Model
Published on: April 6, 2022
Effectiveness and Safety of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Ulcerative Colitis Treatment: A Systematic Review
Panagiotis G Doukas1, Sotirios G Doukas2, Arkady Broder3
1Department of Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
Introduction:
Despite advances in pharmaceuticals, managing ulcerative colitis (UC) remains challenging. Interest in fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for UC is growing, but varying formulations and endpoints in trials complicate safety and efficacy assessment. This systematic review and meta-analysis offer a validated, up-to-date overview of FMT's efficacy and safety in UC.
Methods:
We searched four electronic databases and analyzed only randomized clinical trials that investigated the clinical and endoscopic efficacy of FMT in UC, regardless of administration route or dose. Clinical and endoscopic remission was assessed by comparing the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval.
Results:
The initial search yielded 6,737 studies with 15 meeting inclusion criteria after duplicate removal and screening. The meta-analysis showed clinical remission in 62% receiving FMT vs. 50.5% in controls (OR 2.65; 1.76, 4.00). The endoscopic response was 42% in the FMT group vs. 22% in controls (OR 2.00; 1.09; 3.68). Heterogeneity was assessed as low (by I2 index and τ2).
Conclusion:
Our data show that FMT significantly improves clinical and endoscopic remission rates, offering a promising nonpharmacological option for UC patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. Further prospective studies are needed to optimize the formulation, dosing, while also address the safety profile of FMT in UC.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...