Dataset Information

Regional variability in fecal microbiota transplantation practices: a survey of the Southern Ontario Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Movement.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is growing evidence that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, but little guidance exists for implementation of FMT programs. The objective of this study is to describe the program characteristics and protocols of 9 planned or operating FMT programs in the Southern Ontario Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (SOFT) Movement, to help guide future FMT program implementation.

Methods

A 59-item survey was administered electronically to clinical leads of the SOFT Movement on June 2, 2016. The survey evaluated 7 domains: FMT program characteristics, FMT recipients, donor screening/selection, transplant manufacturing, FMT administration, good manufacturing procedures/biosafety procedures and infection-control procedures. We used descriptive statistics to analyze quantitative data.

Results

All 9 programs responded to the survey: 6 were active, 1 had FMT standard operating procedures developed but did not have clinical experience, and 2 were in the process of forming FMT programs. All 6 active programs performed FMT in adult patients with C. difficile infection. About 1300 FMT procedures were performed between 2003 and 2016. Five of the 6 operating programs administered the preparation via enema. Programs were driven primarily by physicians. All programs used universal FMT donors and followed Health Canada's screening guidelines, with considerable variability in screening frequency (every 3-6 mo) and modality. Locations for transplant preparation and manufacturing protocols varied across programs. Stool mass for FMT ranged from 20 g to 150 g, and transplant volume ranged from 25 mL to 300 mL.

Interpretation

The experience of this high-volume regional FMT network highlights current challenges in FMT program development, including a high reliance on physicians and the costly nature of donor screening. Standardization and optimization through development of regional centres of excellence for FMT donor recruitment and administration should be explored.

SUBMITTER: Hota SS

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7869690 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Background: Several studies suggested an important role of the gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders, implying that alteration of the gut microbiota might serve as a treatment strategy. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is currently the most effective gut microbiota intervention and an accepted treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections. To evaluate indications of FMT for patients with neurological disorders, we summarized the available literature on FMT. In addition, we provide suggestions for future directions. Methods: In July 2019, five main databases were searched for studies and case descriptions on FMT in neurological disorders in humans or animal models. In addition, the ClinicalTrials.gov website was consulted for registered planned and ongoing trials. Results: Of 541 identified studies, 34 were included in the analysis. Clinical trials with FMT have been performed in patients with autism spectrum disorder and showed beneficial effects on neurological symptoms. For multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, several animal studies suggested a positive effect of FMT, supported by some human case reports. For epilepsy, Tourette syndrome, and diabetic neuropathy some studies suggested a beneficial effect of FMT, but evidence was restricted to case reports and limited numbers of animal studies. For stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Guillain-Barré syndrome only studies with animal models were identified. These studies suggested a potential beneficial effect of healthy donor FMT. In contrast, one study with an animal model for stroke showed increased mortality after FMT. For Guillain-Barré only one study was identified. Whether positive findings from animal studies can be confirmed in the treatment of human diseases awaits to be seen. Several trials with FMT as treatment for the above mentioned neurological disorders are planned or ongoing, as well as for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Conclusions: Preliminary literature suggests that FMT may be a promising treatment option for several neurological disorders. However, available evidence is still scanty and some contrasting results were observed. A limited number of studies in humans have been performed or are ongoing, while for some disorders only animal experiments have been conducted. Large double-blinded randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate the effect of FMT in neurological disorders.