Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in children on kidney replacement therapy: a pilot study

Background Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) is a rising problem in children with chronic diseases. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a recent alternative for rCDI patients who do not respond to conventional treatment. FMT could have an additional positive effect on the intestinal dysbiosis and accumulation of uremic retention molecules (URM) associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our aim was to investigate the clinical efficacy of FMT for rCDI in children with CKD together with the effect on dysbiosis and URM levels. Methods We analyzed stool and blood samples before and until 3 months after FMT in 3 children between 4 and 8 years old with CKD and rCDI. The microbiome was analyzed by 16 s rRNA sequencing. URM were analyzed with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. CRP and fecal calprotectin were analyzed as parameters for systemic and gut inflammation, respectively. Results CDI resolved after FMT in all three without adverse events; one patient needed a second FMT. No significant effect on CRP and calprotectin was observed. Stool samples demonstrated a reduced richness and bacterial diversity which did not improve after FMT. We did observe a trend in the decrease of specific URM up to 3 months after FMT. Conclusion FMT is an effective treatment for rCDI in patients with CKD. Analysis of the microbiome showed an important intestinal dysbiosis that, besides a significant reduction in Clostridium difficile , did not significantly change after FMT. A trend for reduction was seen in some of the measured URM after FMT. Graphical abstract A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information