Fecal microbiota transplantation for irritable bowel syndrome without constipation

TRApianto di Microbiota Intestinale in Pazienti Affetti da Sindrome Dell'Intestino IRritabile Senza Stipsi: Studio Clinico Randomizzato Controllato in Singolo Centro

Not applicable Interventional Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT05803980

This study is testing whether a treatment called fecal microbiota transplantation can help people with irritable bowel syndrome who don’t have constipation feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment35 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roma)
Trial IDNCT05803980 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a treatment for patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) without constipation. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either FMT from a healthy donor or a placebo (autologous FMT) in a double-blind manner. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of FMT on IBS symptoms and quality of life, evaluate its safety, and analyze changes in gut microbiota composition using advanced sequencing techniques. A total of 35 patients will be enrolled to determine the potential benefits of this innovative approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with diarrhea-predominant or unclassified IBS according to the Rome IV criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, severe heart or respiratory conditions, or those who have had recent gastrointestinal surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for patients suffering from IBS without constipation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for fecal microbiota transplantation in improving symptoms of IBS, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to express and give informed consent
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Diagnosis of diarrhoea-predominant or unclassified IBS, according to the Rome IV criteria
* Have performed a colonoscopy within the last 5 years that has ruled out intestinal diseases

Exclusion Criteria:

* Taking antibiotics or probiotics within the 8 weeks before the baseline visit
* Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis or eosinophilic gastroenteritis), malignant neoplasms of the gastroenteric tract, celiac disease, diverticular disease
* Uncontrolled heart failure or severe heart disease with EF \< 30%
* Severe respiratory failure
* Serious psychiatric conditions or psychological instability according to the clinician
* Contraindication to fecal microbiota transplantation (high risk of complications related to colonoscopy)
* Previous abdominal surgery on the gastroenteric tract (except cholecystectomy, appendectomy and other types of surgery not involving the digestive tract)
* Patients with cutaneous enterostomy
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Concurrent enrollment in other interventional experimental protocols
* Personality unstable or unable to adhere to protocol procedures
* Any clinical condition which, in the opinion of the investigators, may contraindicate enrollment in the study

Where this trial is running

Roma

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Irritable Bowel SyndromeGut microbiotaFecal microbiota transplantation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.