Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Program
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation to Treat Recurrent Clostridium Difficile Infection
WakeMed offers Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) for recurrent Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection. FMT is available at WakeMed for children and adults with recurrent C. diff infection.
C. diff is a normal, usually harmless bacterium that exists in the intestine. However, if this healthy balance of good and harmful bacteria is disrupted in a person’s intestines (such as by taking antibiotics), it can result in a C. diff infection.
Other potential causes of C. diff infection include:
- Antacid medications
- Use of proton pump inhibitors
- Chemotherapy
- Repeated use of enemas
- Extended use of feeding tubes
- Gastrointestinal surgery
- Intestinal disorders
C. diff can also be spread from person to person, especially if a healthcare provider touches a contaminated surface and then touches a patient.
There are many uncomfortable symptoms associated with C. diff, including diarrhea (sometimes bloody), stomach pain, fever, and even appetite and weight loss. Prolonged diarrhea can cause an inflamed colon, or colitis, which creates even more health complications. Treatment for C. diff is typically antibiotics, which sometimes do not work. Many patients who develop C. Diff infection, can have recurrence of C. diff and do not respond to standard medical therapy. Therefore, a new alternative treatment could be the better answer for your child – Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT).
Sources:
Donor fecal material and processing information
The Fecal Transplant Foundation