Intestinal Microbial and Metabolic Alterations Following Successful Fecal Microbiota Transplant for D-Lactic Acidosis

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018 Oct;67(4):483-487. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002043.

Abstract

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) involves the transfer of stool from a healthy individual into the intestinal tract of a diseased recipient. Although used primarily for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection, FMT is increasingly being attempted as an experimental therapy for other illnesses, including metabolic disorders. D-lactic acidosis (D-LA) is a metabolic disorder that may occur in individuals with short bowel syndrome when lactate-producing bacteria in the colon overproduce D-lactate. This results in elevated systemic levels of D-lactate, metabolic acidosis, and encephalopathy. In this study, we report the successful use of FMT for the treatment of recurrent D-LA in a child who was unresponsive to conventional therapies. Importantly, we also present profiles of the enteric microbiota, as well as fecal D-/L-lactic acid metabolites, before and longitudinally after FMT. These data provide valuable insight into the putative mechanisms of D-LA pathogenesis and its treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis, Lactic / blood
  • Acidosis, Lactic / microbiology
  • Acidosis, Lactic / therapy*
  • Child
  • Fecal Microbiota Transplantation / methods*
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Humans
  • Lactic Acid / blood*
  • Short Bowel Syndrome / blood
  • Short Bowel Syndrome / complications*
  • Short Bowel Syndrome / microbiology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Lactic Acid