Efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation for ulcerative colitis: protocol for an umbrella review of systematic reviews.

INTRODUCTION

A growing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) based on randomized clinical trials have been carried out to assess the efficacy of fecal flora transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). An overview of SRs/MAs will be conducted with the aim of systematically compiling, evaluating, and synthesizing the evidence regarding FMT for UC. This is a protocol for an overview of SRs/MAs. We will search eight public electronic databases for the studies of FMT on UC. SRs/MAs of clinical trials evaluating the effect of FMT on UC will be included. Two independent authors will screen titles and abstracts retrieved in the literature search and select reviews meeting the eligibility criteria for full-text review. The methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included studies will be assessed, using, respectively, the AMSTAR-2 tool, PRISMA checklists, and GRADE system.

RESULTS

From this study, the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs will be evaluated. We will also evaluate the efficacy of FMT in patients with UC.

IMPLICATIONS: We will ascertain the efficacy of FMT in UC patients to provide evidence to guide the treatment of UC with FMT in the future.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As a secondary study based on SRs/MAs, this study does not contain any individual patient information or violate participant rights. It is therefore not necessary to obtain ethics approval. We will report our findings in peer-reviewed journals or disseminate them at relevant conferences.

TRAIL REGISTRATION: Systematic review registration. PROSPERO CRD42023388682.