Fecal microbiota transplant for Clostridium difficile infection in older adults.
William M Tauxe, John P Haydek, Paulina A Rebolledo, Emma Neish, Kira L Newman, Angela Ward, Tanvi Dhere, Colleen S Kraft
Author Information
William M Tauxe: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
John P Haydek: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Paulina A Rebolledo: Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Emma Neish: Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Kira L Newman: Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Angela Ward: Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Tanvi Dhere: Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Colleen S Kraft: Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University Hospital, F145C, 1364 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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.
