Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Refractory Clostridioides Difficile Infection Is Effective and Well Tolerated Even in Very Old Subjects: A Real-Life Study

Abstract

Objectives: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an innovative therapy indicated for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections. Although CDI and its complications are more common in very old patients (≥80 years) due to their comorbidities, frailty and senescence of the immune system, limited data are available for this older patient population. Design: This was a single-center, real-life cohort study with retrospective outcome data registration, conducted at Toulouse, France. Setting and Participants: Older people group was compared to the control group aged 18–79 years. Measurements: The primary outcome was overall survival at 52 weeks for ≥80 years patients compared to the control group after FMT. Recurrence-free survival at 52 weeks and, the occurrence of adverse events in the short and long term were the secondary endpoints. Results: A total of 58 patients were included, 19 were aged ≥80 years and 39 were aged 18–79 years. Overall survival at 52 weeks after FMT of the very old patients was not different from the control group (78.9% versus 89.7%, p= 0.29). Recurrence-free survival of CDI was not different between groups, with 94.3% in the 18–79-group versus 86.9% in the ≥80 group (p=0.44). The occurrence of short- or long-term adverse events was not statistically different between the two groups (36.8% vs 41%, p=0.45). Conclusions: FMT is effective and well-tolerated in very old frail patients. This treatment brings a rapid benefit and limits the loss of functions. It also favors their maintenance at home or in a non-medical institution dedicated to dependent subjects and improves their quality of life.