title: Fecal microbiota transplant for Clostridium difficile infection in older adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this study was to describe the safety of fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) among older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a case review of all FMT recipients aged 65 or older treated at Emory University Hospital, a tertiary care and referral center for Georgia and surrounding states.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CDI resolved in 27 (87%) of 31 respondents, including three individuals who received multiple FMTs. Among four whose CDI was not resolved at follow up, three respondents did well initially before CDI recurred, and one individual never eradicated his CDI despite repeating FMT. During the study, five deaths and eight serious adverse events requiring hospitalization were reported within the study group during the follow-up period. Fecal transplant was not a causative factor in these events. The most common adverse event reported in 4 (13%) of 31 respondents was subjective worsening of arthritis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FMT is a generally safe and effective treatment option for older adults with CDI.
authors.affiliation: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Tauxe
authors.affiliation: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Haydek
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Paulina A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Rebolledo
authors.affiliation: Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Neish
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Kira L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.affiliation: Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Tanvi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dhere
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University Hospital, F145C, 1364 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Colleen S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Kraft
keywords: Clostridium difficile; fecal transplant; microbiota; older adults