Washed microbiota transplantation effectively improves nutritional status in gastrointestinal disease–related malnourished children

Background and aim

Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a critical role in malnutrition caused by food intolerance and intestinal inflammation in children, which needs to be addressed. We assessed the efficacy and safety of washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) for gastrointestinal disease–related malnourished children.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study involving gastrointestinal disease–related malnourished pediatric patients who underwent WMT. The primary outcome was the clinical response rate at 3 mo post-WMT. Clinical response was defined as an improvement in the children's nutritional status of one level or more. The secondary outcomes were changes in gastrointestinal symptoms, laboratory nutritional indicators, and adverse events during the WMT procedure.

Results

29 patients undergoing 74 WMTs were included for analysis. In total, 48.3% (14/29) of patients achieved clinical response post-WMT. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, mucous stool, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and hematochezia, were significantly relieved post-WMT (all P < 0.05). Serum albumin and prealbumin levels were increased significantly post-WMT (P = 0.028 and 0.028, respectively). Eight self-limiting and transient adverse events, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension, occurred after WMT.

Conclusion

This study indicated that WMT might be effective and safe for improving nutritional status and gastrointestinal symptoms in gastrointestinal disease–related malnourished children at 3-mo follow-up. WMT was expected to be a new therapeutic option for these patients.