Fecal microbiota transplant seems to have a significant positive effect on recurring Clostridium difficile infections, according to a systematic review by Dr. Dimitri Drekonja of the University of Minnesota and his associates.
The researchers selected 35 studies: 2 randomly controlled trials, 28 case studies, and 5 case reports. The overall success rate of FMT in treating CDI was 85% in recurrent cases and 55% in refractory cases, significantly higher than other CDI therapies. Adverse events were uncommon and generally mild. Side effects included diarrhea, cramping, belching, nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, transient fever, and dizziness. While some serious adverse events occurred, none were considered related to FMT.
In a related editorial, Dr. Christina Surawitz of the University of Washington, Seattle, said that while work on why and how FMT works is still needed, the “excitement about FMT is justified given its high efficacy in treating recurrent CDI, relative availability and simplicity, and favorable cost profile compared with other therapies” (Ann. Intern. Med. 2015;162:662-3 [doi:10.7326/M15-0609]).
Find the full study in Annals of Internal Medicine (doi: 10.7326/M14-2693).