Abstract Details

Title Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression

Topic Movement Disorders

Presentation(s) P8 - Poster Session 8 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 17-014

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) through pooled quantitative analysis of clinical outcomes.

Background Altered gut microbiota composition has been implicated in PD pathogenesis via the gut–brain axis. FMT, which restores microbial homeostasis, may alleviate PD-related motor and gastrointestinal dysfunctions, but the magnitude and durability of its clinical effects remain uncertain.

Design/Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and observational studies assessing FMT in PD was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases through September 2025. Pooled mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) were calculated under random-effects models for outcomes including UPDRS II/III, PDQ-39, and Wexner constipation scores, along with gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses explored moderators such as follow-up duration, sample size, and study year.

Results Eight studies (n = 220) were included, comprising five RCTs and three observational cohorts. FMT significantly improved motor function (UPDRS III, MD −5.05; 95% CI −7.76 to −2.34), quality of life (PDQ-39, MD −13.95; 95% CI −24.82 to −3.08), and constipation (Wexner, MD −3.91; 95% CI −7.68 to −0.13). No significant improvement was observed in activities of daily living (UPDRS II, MD −4.20; 95% CI −8.86 to 0.46). Benefits peaked at 4 weeks but diminished by 12-24 weeks. Meta-regression revealed that larger sample size correlated with greater improvement in constipation, while longer follow-up predicted greater functional benefit (UPDRS II). Gastrointestinal AEs were generally mild, though pooled analysis showed higher overall incidence with FMT versus placebo (RR 3.12; 95% CI 1.14–8.53).

Conclusions

FMT provides short-term improvements in motor and non-motor outcomes in PD, supporting gut–brain axis modulation as a therapeutic pathway. However, effects appear transient and heterogeneity among studies limits generalizability. Larger, well-controlled trials are needed to define optimal protocols and long-term efficacy.

Authors/Disclosures
Rebeca O. Silva, Student PRESENTER	Miss Silva has nothing to disclose.
Gabriel C. Tudella	Mr. Tudella has nothing to disclose.
Maria Antonia O. Machado Pereira	Miss Machado Pereira has nothing to disclose.
AUGUSTO U. KLOSTERMANN, Graduate	Mr. KLOSTERMANN has nothing to disclose.
Victor Arthur A. Ohannesian, MS	Mr. Ohannesian has nothing to disclose.
Ocilio R. Goncalves, MS	Mr. Goncalves has nothing to disclose.
João Vitor A. Fernandes, Medical Student	Mr. Fernandes has nothing to disclose.
Adil Ahmed, MBBS (Tajabad Board Bazar)	Mr. Ahmed has nothing to disclose.
Ana Beatriz Alencar (Afya Uninovafapi University Center)	No disclosure on file
SANDRA T. DE MORAIS, Msc	Prof. DE MORAIS has nothing to disclose.
Kelson J. Almeida, PhD	Prof. Almeida has nothing to disclose.

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