Randomized clinical trial: faecal microbiota transplantation versus autologous placebo administered via colonoscopy in irritable bowel syndrome

Main idea: FMT provided only transient relief of symptoms, although it induced a sustained alteration in the microbiota of IBS patients. Therefore, FMT delivered by a single infusion via colonoscopy can not be recommended as a treatment for IBS in clinical practice.

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been associated with microbial dysbiosis.

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of IBS. The primary endpoint was not achieved in either group. However, there was a transient reduction in the mean IBS Symptom Severity Score in the FMT group at 12 weeks after treatment as compared to baseline (P = 0.01). The groups did not differ in the number of patients achieving clinical response at 12 weeks. In the FMT-treated patients, the microbial composition had changed to resemble that of the donor, and the stool water content decreased significantly compared to baseline. The depression score decreased in patients with a reduction in IBS symptoms after FMT, but not in those placebo-treated patients who experienced a reduction in IBS symptoms.

Source Wiley Online Library