Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: single centre experience of capsule endoscopy

The advent of capsule endoscopy (CE) has resulted in a paradigm shift in the approach to the diagnosis and management of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). With increasing global availability of this diagnostic tool, it has now become an integral part of the diagnostic algorithm for OGIB in most parts of the world. However, there is scant data on optimum timing of CE for maximizing diagnostic yield. OGIB continues to be a challenge because of delay in diagnosis and consequent morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of CE in identifying the source of bleeding in patients with OGIB. We identified patients who underwent CE at our institution from May 2006 to May 2011. The patients’ medical records were reviewed to determine the type of OGIB (occult, overt), CE results and complications, and timing of CE with respect to onset of bleeding. Out of 346 patients investigated for OGIB, 246 (71.1%) had some lesion detected by CE. In 206 patients (59.5%), definite lesions were detected that could unequivocally explain the OGIB. Small bowel angiodysplasia, ulcer/erosions secondary to Crohn’s disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent use, and neoplasms were the commonest lesions detected. Visualization of the entire small bowel was achieved in 311 (89.9%) of cases. Capsule retention was noted in five patients (1.4%). In this study, CE was proven to be a safe, comfortable, and effective, with a high rate of accuracy for diagnosing OGIB.     

胶囊内镜在不明原因消化道出血诊断中的应用

背景：胶囊内镜是明确不明原因消化道出血（OGIB）的检查手段之一,其诊断率可能受到检查时机和出血自然病程的影响。目的：探讨胶囊内镜在OGIB诊断中的应用价值和最佳检查时机。方法：收集2010年10月～2012年6月厦门大学附属中山医院46例接受胶囊内镜检查的OGIB患者。回顾性分析胶囊内镜检查诊断OGIB的阳性率、疑诊率、敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值和阴性预测值,比较不同检查时机对OGIB检出率的影响。结果：胶囊内镜检查诊断OGIB的阳性率为71．7％,疑诊率为13．0％,阴性率为15．2％,诊断敏感性、特异性以及阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为96．3％、75．0％、92．9％、85．7％。活动性出血组的检出率显著高于出血停止组（96．3％对68．4％,P=0．030）,显性出血者的检出率与隐性出血者相比差异无统计学意义（100％对75．0％,P=0．148）。出血停止≤2周者的检出率显著高于出血停止〉2周者（90．9％对37．5％,P=0．041）。结论：胶囊内镜是诊断OGIB的一种安全、有效的检查手段,出血后尽早行胶囊内镜检查可能提高阳性诊断率并为进一步干预创造条件。     

Long-term follow-up of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after negative capsule endoscopy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is one of the widely accepted investigations for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), but little is known about the impact of CE on the long-term outcome of patients with OGIB. We studied the long-term outcome of patients with OGIB after CE examination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive patients (45% men, mean age 58.3 yr) who underwent CE for OGIB were studied. The most clinically relevant finding that was related to bleeding was identified by CE. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months for clinical overt and occult bleeding. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 19 months (range 12 to 31). Possible bleeding lesions were detected by CE in 31 (63.3%) patients, and 15 (30.6%) patients, underwent further interventions including laparotomy and push enteroscopy. The overall long-term rebleeding rate in this cohort was 32.7%. The cumulative rebleeding rate was significantly lower in patients with a negative CE (5.6%) than in patients with a positive CE (48.4%, p=0.03 log-rank test). The sensitivity and negative predictive value of CE in predicting rebleeding were 93.8% and 94.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OGIB and negative CE had a very low rebleeding rate, and further invasive investigations can be deferred.     

Capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding--an Indian experience.

BACKGROUND: Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is a common indication for capsule endoscopy (CE). Reports on diagnostic yield of CE in this situation show a wide variation. We evaluated the diagnostic yield and clinical impact of CE in patients with OGIB. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients with OGIB who underwent CE at our institution between June 2002 and October 2005. RESULTS: 154 patients (mean age 47 [SD 17] years; 117 men), including 74 with overt OGIB and 80 with occult OGIB, underwent CE. CE yielded positive findings in 57 of 74 patients (77%) with overt OGIB and 22 of 80 (27%) of those with occult OGIB (p < 0.0001); the overall positive diagnostic yield was 52%. NSAID-induced lesions (15%), angiodysplasias (14%) and aphthous ulcers (12%) were the most frequent findings. CE helped in planning further management in 79% of patients with overt OGIB and 26% of those with occult OGIB. CONCLUSION: CE is a useful diagnostic technique in patients with OGIB, especially those with overt OGIB.     

Negative capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is closely associated with the use of low-dose aspirin

Abstract

Objective. Capsule endoscopy (CE) is used widely for determining the cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). However, negative findings still arise from CE examination. The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with negative findings on CE in patients with OGIB. Material and methods. A total of 134 patients who underwent CE for overt (n = 104) or occult (n = 30) OGIB between October 2007 and April 2010 were included. The clinical backgrounds of the patients (age; sex; the use of anti-coagulant, anti-platelet drugs or NSAIDs; comorbidity and the timing of CE examination after bleeding) were noted. Results. The overall diagnostic yield of CE in detecting the relevant findings was 50% (n = 67). Multivariate analysis revealed that the use of anti-platelet drug and the timing of CE (≥16 days) were predictive factors for negative findings on CE (odds ratio 2.69 [1.01–7.21], p = 0.048 and odds ratio 2.32 [1.01–5.33], p = 0.047, respectively). Among the patients with the use of low-dose aspirin (LDA, n = 28) as anti-platelet drug, cessation of it before CE was the only predictive factor for negative findings on CE (odds ratio 12.0 [1.72–83.5], p = 0.012). Conclusion. In the patients with OGIB, the use of LDA and the cessation of it before CE made it difficult to detect the cause of bleeding by CE. This might indicate that the source of OGIB related to LDA heals immediately after cessation of the drugs or is a very small lesion that could not be detected by CE.     

A single-center experience of 260 consecutive patients undergoing capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVES: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has revolutionized the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) but published literature is limited to small series with heterogeneous indications. The aim of this study was to determine the findings and the diagnostic yield of CE in a large series of patients with overt and occult OGIB. METHODS: Data on 260 patients who underwent CE for overt (N = 126) or occult (N = 134) OGIB were obtained by retrospective chart review and review of an internal database of CE patients and findings. RESULTS: Visualization of the entire small bowel was achieved in 74%. The majority of exams (66%) were rated as having a good or excellent prep. Clinically significant positive findings occurred in 53%. The yield of CE in the obscure-overt group was greater than in the obscure-occult group (60%vs 46%, P= 0.03). Small bowel angioectasias were the most common finding, comprising over 60% of clinically significant lesions. The mean follow-up was 9.6 months, and there were significant reductions in hospitalizations, additional tests/procedures, and units of blood transfused after CE. Both before and after CE, patients in the overt group had more significant GI bleeding than patients in the occult group. Complications occurred in five (1.9%) cases: nonnatural excretion (four) and CE impaction at cricopharyngeus (one). CONCLUSIONS: The yield of clinically important findings on CE in patients with OGIB is 53% and is greater in patients with obscure-overt than obscure-occult GI bleeding. Angioectasias account for the majority of significant lesions in both groups. Compared with pre-CE, patients had clinical improvement post-CE in medical interventions for OGIB. Complications of CE occur in less than 2% of cases.     

MANAGEMENT OF OBSCURE GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING BASED ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPIC BLEEDING FINDINGS

Background: Double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) and capsule endoscopy (CE) have been useful in managing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). However, DBE is invasive, complex and time‐consuming, therefore indications should probably be selective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the classification of the CE bleeding findings for determining the indications and timing of DBE in patients with OGIB. Methods: From February 2003 to January 2009, 123 patients with OGIB who underwent CE were included in this study. These CE findings were classified based on the bleeding source. Type CE‐I, II, III, IV and 0 indicate active bleeding, previous bleeding, lesions without active bleeding, a lesion outside of the small bowel, and no findings, respectively. We compared diagnostic yield and outcome between the classification and the findings of DBE or enteroclysis. Results: Comparisons of the positive findings rate with DBE or enteroclysis, the treatment rate and the rebleeding rate with the classification showed: CE‐Ia, 100% (6/6), 50% (3/6), 33.3% (2/6); Ib, 66.7% (4/6), 0% (0/6), 16.7% (1/6); IIa, 33.3% (1/3), 33.3% (1/3), 33.3% (1/3); IIb, 53.8% (7/13),15.4% (2/13), 30.8% (4/13); III, 100% (84/84), 9.5% (8/84), 8.3% (7/84); IV, 100% (2/2), 50% (1/2), 0% (0/2); and 0, 0% (0/9), 0% (0/9), 0% (0/9), respectively. Conclusions: The proportion of patients requiring treatment, the positive findings rate with DBE or enteroclysis and the rebleeding rates tended to be higher in the higher ranked classification types (CE‐I > II > III > IV > 0). These findings suggest that the classification can provide useful information on determining the indications and timing of DBE.     

CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY FOR OBSCURE GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING IN THE TROPICS: REPORT FROM INDIA

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is useful in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Experience in CE in OGIB in the tropics is limited. Methods: Eighty‐six patients with OGIB were evaluated clinically and using CE (Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel) 89 times (twice in three patients) during a 64‐month period. Images were downloaded and examined by a single investigator using software (Rapid Reader; Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel). Patients received specific treatment and were followed up. Intraoperative findings, response to specific treatment and outcome on follow up (10.3 ± 14.1 months) were considered to confirm CE findings. Results: Of 86 patients (aged 54.5 ± 16.3 years, 63 males), 64 and 22 had OGIB‐overt and OGIB‐occult, respectively. Lesions were equally detected in OGIB‐overt and OGIB‐occult patients (48/64, 75% vs 18/22, 81.8%, P = ns). Lesions were detected in 64 of 86 (74.4%) patients [vascular malformations with or without fresh bleeding in 24 (37.5%), tumors in 12 (18.8%), strictures in 15 (23.4%), ulcers in five (7.8%), hookworm in five (7.8%), and more than one lesion in three patients (4.7%)]. Endoscopic insertion of the capsule was required in four patients, and in six it was retained, although none developed intestinal obstruction (surgical removal in two). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of CE to detect the lesion(s) were 92.9%, 68.2%, 84.8%, and 83.3%, respectively. Conclusion: CE is safe and is equally effective in detecting lesion(s) in occult and overt OGIB. Worm infestation and small bowel tuberculosis are unique and important causes of OGIB in the tropics.     

Double Balloon Enteroscopy Detects Small Bowel Mass Lesions Missed by Capsule Endoscopy

BACKGROUND: Small bowel mass lesions (SBML) are a relatively common cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Their detection has been limited by the inability to endoscopically examine the entire small intestine. This has changed with the introduction of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) into clinical practice. STUDY AIM: To evaluate the detection of SBML by DBE and CE in patients with OGIB who were found to have SBML by DBE and underwent both procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of all patients undergoing DBE for OGIB at seven North American tertiary centers was performed. Those patients who were found to have SBML as a cause of their OGIB were further analyzed. RESULTS: During an 18 month period, 183 patients underwent DBE for OGIB. A small bowel mass lesion was identified in 18 patients. Of these, 15 patients had prior CE. Capsule endoscopy identified the mass lesion in five patients; fresh luminal blood with no underlying lesion in seven patients, and non-specific erythema in three patients. Capsule endoscopy failed to identify all four cases of primary small bowel adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Double balloon enteroscopy detects small bowel mass lesions responsible for OGIB that are missed by CE. Additional endoscopic evaluation of the small bowel by DBE or intraoperative enteroscopy should be performed in patients with ongoing OGIB and negative or non-specific findings on CE.     

Single-center experience of 309 consecutive patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), and to determine whether the yield was affected by different bleeding status.METHODS: Three hundred and nine consecutive patients (all with recent negative gastric and colonic endoscopy results) were investigated with CE; 49 cases with massive bleeding and 260 cases with chronic recurrent overt bleeding. Data regarding OGIB were obtained by retrospective chart review and review of an internal database of CE findings.RESULTS: Visualization of the entire small intestine was achieved in 81.88% (253/309) of cases. Clinically positive findings occurred in 53.72% (166/309) of cases. The positivity of the massive bleeding group was slightly higher than that of the chronic recurrent overt bleeding group but there was no significant difference (59.18% vs 52.69%, P > 0.05) between the two groups. Small intestinal tumors were the most common finding in the entire cohort, these accounted for 30% of clinically significant lesions. In the chronic recurrent overt bleeding group angioectasia incidence reached more than 29%, while in the massive bleeding group, small intestinal tumors were the most common finding at an incidence of over 51%. Increasing patient age was associated with positive diagnostic yield of CE and the findings of OGIB were different according to age range. Four cases were compromised due to the capsule remaining in the stomach during the entire test, and another patient underwent emergency surgery for massive bleeding. Therefore, the complication rate was 1.3%. CONCLUSION: In this study CE was proven to be a safe, comfortable, and effective procedure, with a high rate of accuracy for diagnosing OGIB.     

Yield,etiologies and outcomes of capsule endoscopy in Thai patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: To investigate the yield, etiologies and impact of capsule endoscopy (CE) in Thai patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB).METHODS: The present study is a retrospective cohort study. All patients with OGIB who underwent CE in Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand during 2005-2009 were included in the study. All the patients’ medical records and results of the CE videos were reviewed. CE findings were classified as significant, suspicious/equivocal and negative. Sites of the lesions were located to duodenum, jejunum, jejunoileum, ileum and diffuse lesions by the localization device of the CE. Impact of CE on the patients’ management was defined by any investigation or treatment given to the patients that was more than an iron supplement or blood transfusion. Patients’ outcomes (rebleeding, persistent bleeding, anemia or requirement of blood transfusion) were collected from chart reviews and direct phone interviews with the patients.RESULTS: Overall, there were 103 patients with OGIB included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 64 ± 16 years (range 9-88 years) and 57 patients (55%) were male. Types of OGIB were overt in 80 (78%) and occult in 23 patients (22%). The median time interval of CE after onset of OGIB was 10 d (range 1-180 d). The median time of follow-up was 19 mo (range 1-54 mo). Capsules reached caecum in 77 patients (74%) and capsule retention was found in 1 patient (1%). The diagnostic yield of CE revealed significant lesions in 37 patients (36%), suspicious/equivocal lesions in 15 patients (15%) and 51 patients (49%) had negative CE result. Among the significant lesions, the bleeding etiologies were small bowel ulcers in 44%, angiodysplasia in 27%, small bowel tumor in 13%, miscellaneous in 8% and active bleeding without identifiable causes in 8%. Patients with small bowel ulcers were significantly associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (48%, P = 0.034), while patients with small bowel tumors were more commonly female (86%, P = 0.043) compared to the other etiologies. The rate of rebleeding, persistent bleeding or anemia in patients with positive, equivocal and negative CE results were 5%, 0% and 18%, respectively (P = 0.078). All the 9 patients with rebleeding after negative CE were subsequently found to be from hematologic disorders (4), colonic diverticulosis (2), colonic Dieulafoy’s (1), hemorrhoid (1) and hemosuccus pancreaticus (1). Results of CE had a positive impact on the patients’ management in 35% of the patients whose results were positive, but none on the patients whose results were equivocal or negative CE (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: In Thai OGIB patients, CE had low yield and small bowel ulcer was most common. Positive CE impacted managements and outcomes. Negative CE caused low rebleeding.     

Double balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: an updated meta-analysis

Background and Aim: Uncertainty remains about the best test to evaluate patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Previous meta‐analyses demonstrated similar diagnostic yields with capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) but relied primarily on data from abstracts and were not limited to bleeding patients. Many studies have since been published. Therefore, we performed a new meta‐analysis comparing CE and DBE focused specifically on OGIB. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed of comparative studies using both CE and DBE in patients with OGIB. Data were extracted and analyzed to determine the weighted pooled diagnostic yields of each method and the odds ratio for the successful localization of a bleeding source. Results: Ten eligible studies were identified. The pooled diagnostic yield for CE was 62% (95% confidence interval [CI] 47.3–76.1) and for DBE was 56% (95% CI 48.9–62.1), with an odds ratio for CE compared with DBE of 1.39 (95% CI 0.88–2.20; P = 0.16). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the yield for DBE performed after a previously positive CE was 75.0% (95% CI 60.1–90.0), with the odds ratio for successful diagnosis with DBE after a positive CE compared with DBE in all patients of 1.79 (95% CI 1.09–2.96; P = 0.02). In contrast, the yield for DBE after a previously negative CE was only 27.5% (95% CI 16.7–37.8). Conclusions: Capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy provide similar diagnostic yields in patients with OGIB. However, the diagnostic yield of DBE is significantly higher when performed in patients with a positive CE.     

Impact of fecal occult blood on obscure gastrointestinal bleeding:Observational study

AIM: To elucidate the association between small bowel diseases(SBDs) and positive fecal occult blood test(FOBT) in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB).METHODS: Between February 2008 and August 2013, 202 patients with OGIB who performed both capsule endoscopy(CE) and FOBT were enrolled(mean age; 63.6 ± 14.0 years, 118 males, 96 previous overt bleeding, 106 with occult bleeding). All patients underwent immunochemical FOBTs twice prior to CE. Three experienced endoscopists independently reviewed CE videos. All reviews and consensus meeting were conducted without any information on FOBT results. The prevalence of SBDs was compared between patients with positive and negative FOBT.RESULTS: CE revealed SBDs in 72 patients(36%). FOBT was positive in 100 patients(50%) and negative in 102(50%). The prevalence of SBDs was significantly higher in patients with positive FOBT than those with negative FOBT(46% vs 25%, P = 0.002). In particular, among patients with occult OGIB, the prevalence of SBDs was higher in positive FOBT group than negative FOBT group(45% vs 18%, P = 0.002). On the other hand, among patients with previous overt OGIB, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of SBDs between positive and negative FOBT group(47% vs 33%, P = 0.18). In disease specific analysis among patients with occult OGIB, the prevalence of ulcer and tumor were higher in positive FOBT group than negative FOBT group. In multivariate analysis, only positive FOBT was a predictive factors of SBDs in patients with OGIB(OR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.4-4.6, P = 0.003). Furthermore, the trend was evidentam on g patients with occult OGIB who underwent FOBT on the same day or a day before CE. The prevalence of SBDs in positive vs negative FOBT group were 54% vs 13% in patients with occult OGIB who underwent FOBT on the same day or the day before CE(P = 0.001), while there was no significant difference between positive and negative FOBT group in those who underwent FOBT two or more days before CE(43% vs 25%, P = 0.20).CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that positive FOBT may be useful for predicting SBDs in patients with occult OGIB. Positive FOBT indicates higher likelihood of ulcers or tumors in patients with occult OGIB. Undergoing CE within a day after FOBT achieved a higher diagnostic yield for patients with occult OGIB.     

Yield of repeat wireless video capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

PURPOSE: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has been shown to have a high diagnostic yield in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). It is not known if repeating CE improves diagnostic yield or changes patient management when the initial CE is negative or nondiagnostic. The aims of this study are (1) to understand the reasons for repeat CE, (2) to determine the diagnostic yield of repeat CE, and (3) to establish if findings on repeat CE resulted in a change in patient management. METHODS: Between August 2001 and October 2003, we performed 391 capsule studies. Of these, 24 were repeat studies in patients with OGIB. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of these 24 patients. RESULTS: The reasons for repeat CE were: recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding (13), limited visualization on first exam due to poor prep or blood (10), complication (1) (capsule impaction at cricopharyngeus). Eighteen of 24 (75%) repeat capsule studies revealed additional findings (7 arteriovenous malformations, 2 gastropathy, 2 erosions, 2 masses, 1 ulcer, 2 red spots, 1 linear streak, 1 erythema). These findings led to changes in patient management in 15 of the 24 (62.5%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Indications for repeat CE most commonly include recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding and limited visualization on initial study. Repeat CE results in a high yield of new findings that lead to changes in patient management. Repeat CE should be considered in patients with persistent OGIB when the initial study is negative or inconclusive.     

What is the impact of capsule endoscopy in the long term period?

AIM: To assess the clinical impact of capsule endoscopy(CE) in the long-term follow-up period in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB). METHODS: One hundred and forty-one patients who applied CE for OGIB between 2009 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed, and this cohort was then questioned prospectively. Demographic data of the patients were determined via the presence of comorbid diseases, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs anticoagulant-antiaggregant agents, previous diagnostic tests for bleeding episodes, CE findings, laboratory tests and outcomes.RESULTS: CE was performed on 141 patients becauseof OGIB. The capsule was retained in the upper gastrointestinal(GI) system in two of the patients, thus video monitoring was not achieved. There were 139 patients [62% male, median age: 72 years(range: 13-93 years) and a median follow-up duration: 32 mo(range: 6-82 mo)]. The overall diagnostic yield of CE was 84.9%. Rebleeding was determined in 40.3%(56/139) of the patients. The rebleeding rates of patients with positive and negative capsule results at the end of the follow-up were 46.6%(55/118) and 4.8%(1/21), respectively. In the multivariate analysis, usage of NSAIDs, anticoagulant-antiaggregant therapies(OR = 5.8; 95%CI: 1.86-18.27) and vascular ectasia(OR = 6.02; 95%CI: 2.568-14.146) in CE were detected as independent predictors of rebleeding. In the univariate analysis, advanced age, comorbidity, and overt bleeding were detected as predictors of rebleeding.CONCLUSION: CE is a reliable method in the diagnosis of obscure GI bleeding. Negative CE correlated with a significantly lower rebleeding risk in the long-term follow-up period.     

Outcome in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after capsule endoscopy

AIM: To investigate the clinical impact of capsule endoscopy (CE) after an obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) episode, focusing on diagnostic work-up, follow-up and predictive factors of rebleeding.METHODS: Patients who were referred to Hospital del Mar (Barcelona, Spain) between 2007 and 2009 for OGIB who underwent a CE were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, current treatment with non-steroid anti-inflammtory drugs or anticoagulant drugs, hemoglobin levels, transfusion requirements, previous diagnostic tests for the bleeding episode, as well as CE findings (significant or non-significant), work-up and patient outcomes were analyzed from electronic charts. Variables were compared by χ² analysis and Student t test. Risk factors of rebleeding were assessed by Log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression model.RESULTS: There were 105 patients [45.7% women, median age of 72 years old (interquartile range 56-79)] and a median follow-up of 326 d (interquartile range 123-641) included in this study. The overall diagnostic yield of CE was 58.1% (55.2% and 63.2%, for patients with occult OGIB and overt OGIB, respectively). In 73 patients (69.5%), OGIB was resolved. Multivariate analysis showed that hemoglobin levels lower than 8 g/dL at diagnosis [hazard ratios (HR) = 2.7, 95%CI: 1.9-6.3], patients aged 70 years and above (HR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-6.1) and significant findings in CE (HR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.1-5.8) were independent predictors of rebleeding.CONCLUSION: One third of the patients presented with rebleeding after CE; risk factors were hemoglobin levels < 8 g/dL, age ≥ 70 years or the presence of significant lesions.     

Diagnostic yield and therapeutic implications of capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: The main aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and therapeutic impact of capsule endoscopy (CE) in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). In addition, we evaluated the software of automatic detection of red zones (SBI, Given Imaging). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2002 to June 2003, thirty-five patients with OGIB underwent capsule endoscopy after negative upper and lower digestive endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy was performed following a 12-hour fasting period and some received 2 L of PEG the night before for bowel preparation. RESULTS: CE was performed for occult (N=18) or overt (N=17) OGIB. Potentially bleeding lesions were found in 16/35 patients (45.7%). Lesions were angiodysplasias (N=8), ulcerations (N=4), tumors (N=2) and active bleeding without visible lesion (N=2). Lesions were located in gastric antrum (N=1), duodenum (N=2) and jejuno-ileum (N=13). Endoscopic (N=10), surgical (N=2) or medical (N=1) treatments were performed in 13/35 (37%). SBI was retrospectively evaluated in 24 patients with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of respectively 45%, 73%, 50% and 69%. CE retention during 10 days occurred in a patient with a small bowel NSAID-induced stricture. CONCLUSION: CE is a safe and effective procedure in the management of OGIB and had a therapeutic impact in more than one third of patients.     

A comparison between capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy using propensity score-matching analysis in patients with previous obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Background: Recently, diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) has improved greatly due to introduction of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE). However, the efficacy of CE over DBE in patients with previous OGIB remains unclear. This study aimed to compare, in terms of diagnostic yield, the efficacy of DBE with that of CE in patients with previous OGIB.

Patients and methods: We enrolled 223 consecutive patients with previous OGIB who were treated between May 2007 and March 2012. We retrospectively evaluated the respective diagnostic yields of CE and DBE in patients with previous OGIB using propensity score-matching analysis. We compared the diagnostic yield of CE with that of DBE.

Results: The diagnostic yields were 41.9% in DBE group and 11.6% in CE group, respectively (p?<?.01). On logistic regression analysis, DBE was significantly superior to CE after matching (Odds ratio [OR], 4.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–12.6; p?<?.01), even after adjustment for propensity score (OR, 5.65; 95% CI, 1.56?20.5; p?<?.01).

Conclusions: Our results indicate that DBE might be more useful and perhaps safer than CE in achieving a positive diagnosis in patients with previous OGIB.     

Impact of therapeutic interventions induced by capsule endoscopy on long term outcome in chronic obscure GI bleeding

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic yield and the clinical impact of capsule endoscopy (CE) in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) are well known. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of therapeutic interventions induced by CE findings on long term outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with chronic OGIB referred to our center from September 2003 to June 2005 for CE were included. Treatment of intestinal lesions was prescribed according to the clinical characteristics of patients and the nature of the lesions. RESULTS: Forty patients were included, 18 females and 22 males. Median age was 54 yrs (range: 5-87) with a median follow-up of 13 months (range: 6-22). The diagnostic yield of CE was 75% (30/40). From 30 patients with positive CE, 16 received treatment (Group I) and 14 did not (Group II). Thus clinical impact was 40%. Ten patients had negative CE (Group III). During follow-up, bleeding recurrence was observed in only 1 patient from Group I (6%), 5 from Group II (36%) and 1 from Group III (10%). There were only significant differences between Group I vs Group II (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: CE results had a favorable influence in patient outcome allowing for specific treatment as they showed significantly reduced recurrent bleeding.     

Long-term outcome in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding after negative capsule endoscopy

AIM:To investigate long-term outcome in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) after negative capsule endoscopy(CE) and identify risk factors for rebleeding.METHODS:A total of 113 consecutive patients underwent CE for OGIB from May 2003 to June 2010 at Seoul National University Hospital.Ninety-five patients(84.1%) with a subsequent follow-up after CE of at least 6 mo were enrolled in this study.Follow-up data were obtained from the patients’ medical records.The CE images were reviewed by two board-certified gastroenterologists and consensus diagnosis was used in all cases.The primary outcome measure was the detection of rebleeding after CE,and factors associated with rebleeding were evaluated using multivariate analysis.RESULTS:Of the 95 enrolled patients(median age 61 years,range 17-85 years),62 patients(65.3%) were male.The median duration of follow-up was 23.7 mo(range 6.0-89.4 mo).Seventy-three patients(76.8%) underwent CE for obscure-overt bleeding.Complete examination of the small bowel was achieved in 77 cases(81.1%).Significant lesions were found in 38 patients(40.0%).The overall rebleeding rate was 28.4%.The rebleeding rate was higher in patients with positive CE(36.8%) than in those with negative CE(22.8%).However,there was no significant difference in cumulative rebleeding rates between the two groups(log rank test;P = 0.205).Anticoagulation after CE examination was an independent risk factor for rebleeding(hazard ratio,5.019;95%CI,1.560-16.145;P = 0.007),regardless of CE results.CONCLUSION:Patients with OGIB and negative CE have a potential risk of rebleeding.Therefore,close observation is required and alternative modalities should be considered in suspicious cases.