# Protocol for the efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation in children with autism spectrum disorder: a prospective single-center, single-arm interventional study

## TL;DR

This study tests if fecal microbiota transplantation can improve gastrointestinal symptoms and autism severity in children with autism spectrum disorder.

## Contribution

A novel interventional protocol to evaluate FMT's efficacy in ASD children with GI symptoms via the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

## Key findings

- 30 children aged 2–12 with moderate-to-severe ASD will receive three nasojejunal FMTs over five days.
- Primary outcomes include GI symptom improvement and ASD severity measured via GSRS and CARS.
- Gut microbiota changes will be analyzed using metagenomic next-generation sequencing.

## Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting 0.7% of children globally, with 90% experiencing comorbid gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may modulate ASD symptoms via the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA).

This open-label single-arm trial enrolls 30 children (2–12 years) with moderate-to-severe ASD, defined as a Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score of ≥36. Participants receive 3 nasojejunal FMTs (5 mL/kg) over 5 days. The primary outcomes are GI symptom improvement, assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and ASD severity, assessed using the CARS. Secondary outcomes include social responsiveness (Social Responsiveness Scale, SRS), aberrant behaviors (Aberrant Behavior Checklist, ABC), and gut microbiota changes assessed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

Ethical approval obtained from Shenzhen Children's Hospital Ethics Committee. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=229136, identifier ChiCTR2400083998. Registered on 2024-05-08. Registered title: “Efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation in treatment of autism spectrum disorder: a prospective single-center intervention study”.