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. 2016 May;9(3):273-81.
doi: 10.1177/1756283X15622600. Epub 2015 Dec 31.

Fecal microbiota transplant for Clostridium difficile infection in older adults

William M Tauxe  1 , John P Haydek  1 , Paulina A Rebolledo  2 , Emma Neish  3 , Kira L Newman  4 , Angela Ward  5 , Tanvi Dhere  6 , Colleen S Kraft  7
Affiliations

Fecal microbiota transplant for Clostridium difficile infection in older adults

William M Tauxe et al. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2016 May.

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to describe the safety of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) among older adults.

Methods: We performed a case review of all FMT recipients aged 65 or older treated at Emory University Hospital, a tertiary care and referral center for Georgia and surrounding states.

Results: CDI resolved in 27 (87%) of 31 respondents, including three individuals who received multiple FMTs. Among four whose CDI was not resolved at follow up, three respondents did well initially before CDI recurred, and one individual never eradicated his CDI despite repeating FMT. During the study, five deaths and eight serious adverse events requiring hospitalization were reported within the study group during the follow-up period. Fecal transplant was not a causative factor in these events. The most common adverse event reported in 4 (13%) of 31 respondents was subjective worsening of arthritis.

Conclusion: FMT is a generally safe and effective treatment option for older adults with CDI.

Keywords: Clostridium difficile; fecal transplant; microbiota; older adults.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

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