Faecal microbiota transplant decreases mortality in severe and fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection in critically ill patients

Emily N. Tixier, Elijah Verheyen, Ryan C. Ungaro, Ari M. Grinspan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Severe and fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection is associated with high mortality rates. While faecal microbiota transplant has been shown to be effective for recurrent C difficile infection, there is little data on the utility of faecal microbiota transplant in severe or fulminant C difficile infection. Aim: To compare the outcomes of antibiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation vs antibiotics alone (standard of care) in critically ill patients with severe or fulminant C difficile infection. Methods: This was a retrospective, matched cohort study in one urban tertiary academic care centre including 48 patients hospitalised with severe or fulminant C difficile infection who required care in intensive care unit. Results: Patients who received faecal microbiota transplantation (n = 16) had a 77% decrease in odds for mortality (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06-0.97) with a number needed to treat of 3 to prevent one death. Conclusions: Faecal microbiota transplantation provides mortality benefit over standard of care for severe and fulminant C difficile infection and should be considered in critically ill patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1094-1099
Number of pages6
JournalAlimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Volume50
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Nov 2019

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