Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: A Single-center Experience from a Tertiary Center in India

Objectives

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an emerging option for recurrent or refractory Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). We describe a single-center experience of FMT in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with CDAD in India.

Methods

A prospective observational study of HSCT recipients with CDAD who received FMT in our center.

Results

A total of 13 patients were included. All the patients were allogenic HSCT recipients; FMT was performed in seven patients due to refractory CDAD, in five patients due to the presence of both CDAD and graft vs host disease (GVHD), and in 1 patient due to recurrent CDAD. The approach to FMT was colonoscopic in 10 (77%) patients. Only one patient reported bacteremia and one patient had candidemia, both of which were unrelated to FMT. Of the 10 patients who had complete resolution of CDAD, only one patient presented with a recurrence of CDAD within 8 weeks post-FMT.

Conclusion

This is the first study from India using FMT as a therapeutic modality for CDAD in the setting of HSCT. Here we demonstrate that FMT in India is an effective option, especially when patients have refractory CDAD, recurrent CDAD, or both GVHD and CDAD. Further studies should explore the efficacy and feasibility of FMT in India.

How to cite this article

Prayag PS, Patwardhan SA, Ajapuje PS, Melinkeri S, Gadhikar H, Palnitkar S, et al. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Clostridium difficile-associated Diarrhea in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: A Single-center Experience from a Tertiary Center in India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(2):106-110.

Single-session endoscopic fundoplication after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM+F) for prevention of post gastroesophageal reflux - 1-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established treatment for achalasia cardia; however, post-POEM gastroesophageal reflux (GER) remains a significant problem. Concomitant endoscopic fundoplication following POEM (POEM + F) was recently described to reduce post-POEM GER. This single-center study reports short-term outcomes of POEM + F.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing POEM + F. Abstracted data included demographics, achalasia type, pre-POEM Eckardt score, prior therapy, follow-up. Follow-up assessment was 3-monthly for 1 year and included post-POEM Eckardt score, GerdQ score, wrap integrity and esophagitis on esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and pH studies. GER was defined according to Lyon Consensus.

RESULTS

25 patients underwent POEM + F (mean age 40.1 years [standard deviation (SD) 13.7]; 12 females). POEM + F was technically successful in 23/25 (92.0 %). Significant dysphagia improvement was seen in all 25 patients (mean pre- and post-POEM Eckardt scores 8.21 [SD 1.08] and 0.1 [SD 0.3], respectively; P = 0.001). Mean total procedure and fundoplication times were 115.6 (SD 27.2) minutes and 46.7 (SD 12.4) minutes, respectively; times reduced significantly after the initial five cases. Median follow-up was 12 months (interquartile range [IQR] 9-13). Intact wrap was seen in 19/23 (82.6 %). GER (abnormal esophageal acid exposure time [EAET]) was seen in 2/18 (11.1 %) and there was one reported GerdQ > 8. Borderline GER (asymptomatic grade A esophagitis, normal EAET) was identified in 4/22 (18.2 %). Three (12.0 %) minor delayed adverse events occurred but required no intervention. CONCLUSIONS : POEM + F was safe and reproducible. At 12 months' follow-up, incidence of post-POEM + F GER was low and acceptable.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided transmural drainage of walled-off pancreatic necrosis: Comparison between a specially designed fully covered bi-flanged metal stent and multiple plastic stents

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided drainage of walled-off necrosis (WON) may be carried out by placement of multiple plastic stents (MPS) or specially designed fully covered bi-flanged metal stents (BFMS). Comparative data on efficacy of these two stent types for WON drainage are limited. This retrospective study compares outcomes of WON drainage using BFMS and MPS.

METHODS

During a 10-year period, 133 patients underwent EUS-guided WON drainage. MPS or BFMS were placed in a WON cavity through a single puncture, and direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) was carried out whenever clinically necessary. Data in the two cohorts were retrospectively compared for primary outcomes - clinical success, adverse events and mortality; and secondary outcomes - DEN requirement, mean DEN sessions, need for salvage surgery and hospital stay.

RESULTS

MPS were placed in 61 and BFMS in 72 patients. Patients undergoing BFMS drainage required fewer DEN sessions (mean 1.46 vs 2.74, P < 0.05), had fewer adverse events (5.6% vs 36.1%, P < 0.05), needed salvage surgery less often (2.7% vs 26.2%, P < 0.05), and had significantly shorter hospital stay (4.1 vs 8 days, P < 0.05) compared to those undergoing MPS drainage. There was no difference in DEN requirement (P = 0.217) and mortality (P = 0.5) in both groups. Overall clinical success with BFMS was superior to MPS (94% vs 73.7%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

BFMS appear to be superior to MPS for EUS-guided WON drainage in terms of clinical success, number of DEN sessions, adverse events, need for salvage surgery and hospital stay.