Fecal microbiota transplantation cured epilepsy in a case with Crohn's disease: The first report

World J Gastroenterol. 2017 May 21;23(19):3565-3568. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i19.3565.

Abstract

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a promising strategy that involves reconstruction of gut microbiota. Recently, it has been considered as a treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) and certain neurological diseases. Here, to the best of our knowledge, we report the first case that used FMT to achieve remission of intestinal and neurological symptoms in a girl with CD and a 17-year history of epilepsy. During the 20 mo of follow-up, FMT has proved its efficacy in preventing relapse of seizures after withdrawing the antiepileptic drugs. Furthermore, this finding highlights the role of microbiota-gut-brain axis and inspires a novel treatment for epilepsy through remodeling gut microbiota.

Keywords: Brain-gut axis; Crohn’s disease; Epilepsy; Fecal microbiota transplantation; Gut microbiota.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Crohn Disease / complications*
  • Crohn Disease / therapy*
  • Epilepsy / complications*
  • Epilepsy / therapy*
  • Fecal Microbiota Transplantation*
  • Feces
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome
  • Humans
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Intestines / physiopathology
  • Quality of Life
  • Recurrence
  • Remission Induction
  • Seizures
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult