The role of capsule endoscopy in the evaluation and treatment of obscure-overt gastrointestinal bleeding during daily clinical practice: a prospective multicenter study

Prediction models for recurrence in patients with small bowel bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) has traditionally been defined as gastrointestinal bleeding whose source remains unidentified after bidirectional endoscopy. OGIB can present as overt bleeding or occult bleeding, and small bowel lesions are the most common causes. The small bowel can be evaluated using capsule endoscopy, device-assisted enteroscopy, computed tomography enterography, or magnetic resonance enterography. Once the cause of small-bowel bleeding is identified and targeted therapeutic intervention is completed, the patient can be managed with routine visits. However, diagnostic tests may produce negative results, and some patients with small bowel bleeding, regardless of diagnostic findings, may experience rebleeding. Predicting those at risk of rebleeding can help clinicians form individualized surveillance plans. Several studies have identified different factors associated with rebleeding, and a limited number of studies have attempted to create prediction models for recurrence. This article describes prediction models developed so far for identifying patients with OGIB who are at greater risk of rebleeding. These models may aid clinicians in forming tailored patient management and surveillance.

RHEMITT Score Predicts Rebleed After Capsule Endoscopy: First Validation at a U.S. Tertiary Care Center

BACKGROUND

Patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding undergo small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE), but often return for recurrent bleeding or anemia. The RHEMITT score evaluates patients based on 7 variables (heart failure, chronic kidney disease, Saurin P1/P2 lesions, major bleeding, incomplete SBCE, smoking status, and endoscopic treatment) and seeks to predict the risk of rebleeding.

AIMS

This study aims to perform an external validation of the RHEMITT score in the United States.

METHODS

SBCEs performed to evaluate anemia or GI bleeding from a tertiary-care center's PillCam database between 1/22/2018 and 7/21/2020 were reviewed. Variables based on the RHEMITT score were collected. The primary outcome was rebleeding, defined as (1) melena or hematochezia or (2) hemoglobin drop of 2 g/dL. Patient were categorized into low, intermediate, and high-risk categories based on RHEMITT score. The accuracy of the RHEMITT score for predicting rebleeding was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 361 SBCEs were included in the study. Age, indication for SBCE, endoscopic treatment, antiplatelet use, cirrhosis, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and major bleeding were significantly associated with risk of rebleed (p < 0.05). Each increasing risk category for the RHEMITT score predicted increased probability of this study's primary outcome, rebleeding (p < 0.001). There was a significant association between RHEMITT risk category and rebleeding-free survival (log-rank p < 0.001). An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the RHEMITT score was 0.790 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings validate the RHEMITT score and confirm acceptable performance for predicting rebleeding at a tertiary referral center in the United States.

Impact of Early Video Capsule Endoscopy on Hospitalization and Post-hospitalization Outcomes: A Propensity Score-Matching Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) has become the accepted evaluation of choice for patients with suspected small bowel bleeding. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of early as compared to delayed inpatient VCE on post-index hospitalization readmission rates.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study using medical claims from the IBM® Marketscan® Commercial Database from January 1, 2004, through September 30, 2018, including adult patients that underwent an inpatient VCE. Early VCE was defined as occurring on days 0, 1, or 2 of the index hospitalizations, whereas delayed VCE was performed on days 3-7. Propensity matching was performed to create an analytic cohort, and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Following propensity score matching, 607 patients undergoing early VCE were matched 1:1 with 607 patients undergoing delayed VCE. The median patient age was 65 (IQR: 56-78) years, and 560 (37.9%) of the included patients were female. The mean time to VCE was 1.6 (± 0.6) days for the early VCE group and 4.0 (± 1.2) days from admission for delayed VCE. In unadjusted comparisons, we found no significant difference between early VCE and delayed VCE with respect to 90-day all-cause readmission (18.6% vs. 17.0%, P = 0.5) or 90-day rebleeding risk (10.5% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.331). Patients undergoing an early VCE had a shorter hospital LOS and less total hospitalization charges.

CONCLUSION

Early as compared to delayed inpatient VCE was associated with a reduction in index hospitalization resource utilization. No differences were found with respect to reductions in readmissions or rebleeding events.

Video Capsule Endoscopy and Device-Assisted Enteroscopy

Mark Hanscom Courtney Stead Harris Feldman Neil B. Marya David Cave.

Role of Video Capsule Endoscopy as a Prelude to Deep Enteroscopy

Video capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy are complementary technologies. Capsule endoscopy is a highly acceptable technology with high diagnostic yield that can guide a subsequent enteroscopy approach. This article aims to focus on the role of video capsule endoscopy as a prelude to deep enteroscopy with a focus on the strengths and limitations of either approach.

Timing and Use of Capsule Endoscopy in the Acute Care Setting

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a crucial adjunct to conventional endoscopy in small intestinal bleeding, with a high positive and negative predictive value. Timing is critical in VCE, with earlier deployment associated with improved diagnostic yield. VCE is also useful as a first-line diagnostic modality in the evaluation of acute gastrointestinal bleeding, with accumulating evidence demonstrating expedited VCE can increase diagnostic yield, reduce unneeded admissions, and overall improve patient care. In resource-limited settings, first-line VCE also can reduce unneeded procedures and protect staff from dangerous exposures.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of small bowel endoscopy in patients with overt small bowel bleeding

BACKGROUND

Small bowel endoscopy, including small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) and balloon-assisted endoscopy (BAE), is useful for small bowel bleeding (SBB) assessment. However, the specific management strategy for overt SBB is not well established. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the pooled diagnostic yields (DYs) and therapeutic yields (TYs) of small bowel endoscopy in overt SBB and to determine the optimal endoscopy timing.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed of studies examining the DY and/or TY of small bowel endoscopy in overt SBB. Data on the DY, TY, and timing of small bowel endoscopy were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. The pooled DY and TY of small bowel endoscopy for patients with overt SBB were calculated. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included. The pooled DY was 65.2% and 74.0% for SBCE and BAE, respectively. The pooled TY of SBCE and BAE was 55.9% and 35.8%, respectively. A meta-regression model showed that the timing of endoscopy was significantly associated with the DY of BAE and the TY of SBCE and BAE.

CONCLUSIONS

Small bowel capsule endoscopy and BAE would be useful diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in overt SBB. According to the subgroup analysis, in which the TY seemed to be higher within 2 days after bleeding for SBCE and BAE, the optimal timing of endoscopy would be within 2 days.

Positive Fecal Occult Blood Test is a Predictive Factor for Gastrointestinal Bleeding after Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Unexplained Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Korean Multicenter CAPENTRY Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is recommended as the primary method for the evaluation of unexplained anemia. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of CE in patients with unexplained iron deficiency anemia (IDA) without overt bleeding, and to evaluate their long-term outcomes and related clinical factors.

METHODS

Data of patients who underwent CE for the evaluation of IDA were reviewed from a CE registry in Korea. Additional clinical data were collected by the involved investigators of each hospital through a review of medical records.

RESULTS

Among a total of 144 patients, the diagnostic yield of CE was 34%. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding was found in 6.3% (n=9) of the patients (occult bleeding in four patients and overt bleeding in five patients) during a mean follow-up of 17.8 months. Patients with a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) result at the initial diagnosis had a higher rate of GI bleeding after CE (p=0.004). In addition, a positive FOBT result was the only independent predictive factor for GI bleeding (hazard ratio, 5.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-19.85; p=0.013).

CONCLUSION

Positive FOBT is a predictive factor for GI bleeding during follow-up after CE in patients with unexplained IDA without overt bleeding. Thus, patients with positive FOBT need to be more closely followed up.

Endoscopic ultrasonography and small-bowel endoscopy: Present and future

Over the last decade, impressive technological advances have occurred in ultrasonography and small-bowel endoscopy. Nowadays, endoscopic ultrasonography is an essential diagnostic tool and a therapeutic weapon for pancreatobiliary disorders. Capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy have quickly become the reference standard for the diagnosis of small-bowel luminal diseases, thereby leading to radical changes in diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. We herein provide an up-to-date overview of the latest advances in endoscopic ultrasonography and small-bowel endoscopy, focusing on the emerging paradigms and technological innovations that might improve clinical practice in the near future.

The Clinician's Guide to Suspected Small Bowel Bleeding

Small bowel bleeding accounts for 5-10% of gastrointestinal bleeding. With the advent of capsule endoscopy, device-assisted enteroscopy, and multiphase CT scanning, a small bowel source can now be found in many instances of what has previously been described as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a practical review on the evaluation and management of small bowel bleeding for the practicing clinician.

The impact of inpatient capsule endoscopy on the need for therapeutic interventions in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND/AIM

There are limited data evaluating the impact of inpatient video capsule endoscopy (VCE) on the need for therapeutic interventions in hospitalized patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). The objective of this study was to determine the impact of inpatient VCE on the need for therapeutic interventions and rehospitalization for recurrent bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hospitalized patients who underwent VCE for OGIB indication were retrospectively included. Clinical data were collected including therapeutic interventions performed after VCE. Specific therapeutic interventions were defined as the medical, endoscopic, or surgical treatment directly targeting the cause of OGIB. Patients were followed up to determine the rate of rehospitalization.

RESULTS

A total of 48 inpatient VCE were identified, of which 43 VCE were performed for OGIB indication and were included for analysis. The completion rate and the diagnostic yield were 78.5% and 55.8%, respectively. Subsequent specific therapeutic interventions were performed in 65.2% and 5.8% of patients with positive and negative VCE, respectively (P < 0.001). After a median follow up of 30 months (minimum 12, maximum 58), rehospitalization for recurrent bleeding occurred in 30.4% and 17% of patients with positive and negative VCE, respectively. Patients with angiodysplasia on VCE were significantly more likely to be readmitted (P = 0.02). Throughout the course of the follow-up, only 2 (11.7%) patients with negative VCE underwent specific therapeutic interventions.

CONCLUSION

Inpatient VCE is an effective tool to identify patients who need specific therapeutic interventions. Patients with negative VCE are unlikely to be readmitted or require specific therapeutic interventions in the index admission.

Magnetic-Guided Capsule Endoscopy in the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Diseases in Minors

Objective

This study aimed at investigating the clinical value of magnetic-guided capsule endoscopy (MGCE) in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in minors.

Methods

Eighty-four minor patients hospitalized in the pediatric department at Ruijin Hospital between June 2015 and January 2018 were enrolled for this study. Following bowel preparation, all patients underwent MGCE. The feasibility, safety, diagnostic yield, and sensitivity of MGCE were analyzed. Patients were followed up for more than 2 weeks.

Results

The main indications for MGCE in minors were Crohn's disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and abdominal pain. The main causes of gastric disease were gastric inflammatory hyperplasia, exudative gastritis, and polyps. The most common small bowel diseases in minors were Crohn's disease, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and polyps. The diagnostic yield in the stomach and small intestine was 13.1% and 28.6%, respectively, and the sensitivity was 100% and 96.0%, respectively. No adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

MGCE is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated procedure with good sensitivity and has a potential clinic value for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases in minors.

Unusual Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Patient with Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome is an exclusively female genetic disease caused by complete or partial absence of the second X chromosome. It is classically characterized by congenital lymphedema, short stature, and gonadal dysgenesis. In addition, the syndrome is associated with several other abnormalities. One of them is gastrointestinal bleeding, which is frequently associated with inflammatory bowel disease, but it can also be caused by vascular lesions such as hemangioma, vascular ectasia, and telangiectasia. We report the case of a patient with Turner syndrome with an episode of gastrointestinal bleeding, outlining our pathway for the investigation and treatment of this condition.

The small bowel diseases detected by capsule endoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain: A retrospective study

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) remains a particular challenge because of its complicated causes, especially when the disorders involve the small bowel, where it is quite difficult to intubate the flexible endoscopes. This study was to investigate the small bowel diseases detected by capsule endoscopy (CE) in CAP patients to evaluate the role of CE on CAP, and analyzed the relationship among the clinical characteristics of CAP patients and the positive rates of CE findings to search for the indications of CE for CAP patients.This retrospective study included 341 patients with CAP defined as recurrent abdominal pain for no <3 months. Each patient underwent CE after a negative diagnostic work-up. All CE images were reviewed by 3 gastroenterologists independently. The positive findings were defined as abnormal findings in the small bowel that might have been the causes of CAP. The final diagnosis was confirmed by CE findings, clinical features, histopathology, and a response to the treatment during the follow-up for at least 3 months after CE.The overall positive rate of CE findings was 28.15% (96/341). The positive rate in CAP-A (CAP with associated symptoms) group was significantly higher than that in CAP-O (CAP only) group (33.16% vs 21.38%, P = .017). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that weight loss (odds ratio [OR] = 2.827, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.938-4.926), hypoalbuminemia (OR = 6.142, 95%IC = 4.129-8.274), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (OR = 4.025, 95%IC = 3.178-6.892), or increased C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR = 7.539, 95%CI = 5.365-11.723) were significantly associated with high positive rates. On follow-up, final diagnosis was confirmed in 56 of 69 (81.16%) patients with positive CE findings. About half of these patients (46.38%, 32/69) were diagnosed as inflammatory diseases, including Crohn disease (12), tuberculosis (5), NSAID enteropathy (4), etc. Tumors were proved in 21.74% (15/69) patients, including malignant in 7 cases and benign in 8 cases. Parasitosis was found in 9 (13.04%) patients.This study suggests that CE may be helpful for CAP patients to detect the small bowel diseases, half of which were comprised of inflammatory diseases. Besides, weight loss, hypoalbuminemia, elevated ESR, or increased CRP may be regarded as the indications of CE for CAP patients.

Long-term effects of video capsule endoscopy in the management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) accounts for approximately 5% of all gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhages. It usually arises from a small bowel lesion beyond the reach of conventional endoscopy including esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) revolutionized the evaluation of OGIB patients since it allows reliable and noninvasive visualization of the small bowel mucosal surface. Since 2001, VCE has evolved into an efficient technology integrated in clinical practice. It is the cornerstone in the algorithm of OGIB investigation given its high diagnostic yield, which compares favorably to that of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). In terms of outcomes, a positive index VCE examination usually correlates to a high re-bleeding rate, while a negative one provides adequate evidence of low re-bleeding risk, suggesting a wait and watch approach in this subset of patients. Additionally, a variety of factors has been acknowledged as significant predictors of re-bleeding episodes. While research data regarding immediate endoscopic findings have matured, data concerning the clinical utility of VCE in patients with OGIB on the long-term remain sparse. This manuscript reviews the current literature, aiming to highlight the role of VCE in the long-term management of OGIB.

Clinical outcomes of negative small-bowel capsule endoscopy for small-bowel bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Small-bowel bleeding is the primary indication for capsule endoscopy (CE). Many experts advocate a "watch-and-wait" policy in negative CE. This meta-analysis examines the odds of rebleeding after negative index CE and the impact on long-term follow-up.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search identified articles examining the rebleeding rate after negative CE. Demographic and clinical information with emphasis on outcomes was retrieved, pooled, and analyzed. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I² statistic. A random effects model was used as the pooling method because of high heterogeneity. Risk of bias was assessed using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2) tool. The primary outcome evaluated was the pooled odds ratios (ORs) for rebleeding after a negative CE for obscure GI bleeding (OGIB).

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies with 3657 patients were included. The pooled rate of rebleeding after negative CE was .19 (95% CI, .14-.25; P < .0001). The pooled OR of rebleeding was .59 (95% CI, .37-.95; P < .001). The effect was more pronounced in studies with a short follow-up (OR, .47; 95% CI, .24-.94; P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in rebleeding after CE for occult and overt OGIB. Prospective studies showed a lower OR of rebleeding of .24 (95% CI, .08-.73; P = .01). Most studies were high quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis shows that negative CE provides adequate evidence of a subsequently low risk of rebleeding. Such patients can therefore be safely managed with watchful waiting. However, patients who rebleed after 2 years may need to be investigated for a new source of blood loss.

The role of capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in older individuals

BACKGROUND/AIM

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is currently recommended as the first-line diagnostic modality for the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of CE and to determine the subsequent impacts on the treatment of the OGIB episode in older individuals.

METHODS

Eight hundred and fifty-three patients who underwent CE for the indication of OGIB were investigated in a single center between January 2004 and December 2015. Patients were divided into two groups: those 65 years of age and older and those younger than 65 years of age.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between older patients and younger patients with respect to the CE completion rate. The diagnostic yield was significantly higher in older patients than in younger patients (55.1 vs. 46.6%, P=0.021). Vascular lesions were the main cause of bleeding in the elderly, whereas ulcerated/erosive lesions were found most frequently in younger patients. Furthermore, 56.0% of older patients with positive CE results had relevant changes in their management plans and received specific treatment on the basis of CE findings.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirmed the important role of CE in the diagnosis of OGIB and its huge impact on decision making in the management plan for older patients.

The Role of Capsule Endoscopy in Patients with Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) accounts for 5% of all gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding cases and is often caused by small bowel lesions. Capsule endoscopy (CE), which allows non-invasive visualization of the small bowel mucosa, has revolutionized the evaluation of OGIB. CE is preferred by both patients and physicians mainly because of its non-invasiveness, and is widely used as the first-line diagnostic modality for OGIB. The diagnostic yield of CE in OGIB has been reported to be in the range of 32% to 83%. Although no direct comparison has been made, a meta-analysis showed similar diagnostic yields between CE and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for OGIB. However, CE could enhance the yield of subsequent DBE and serve as a guide for optimizing the insertion route for DBE. Even after negative CE, selected patients could benefit from second-look CE for OGIB. In terms of outcomes, a favorable clinical impact after CE has been reported in several studies. However, observations indicate that CE might not influence clinical outcomes directly, but rather play a role in selecting patients with OGIB who are likely to benefit from subsequent evaluation and intervention.

[Capsule endoscopy and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: does the form of presentation matter?]

INTRODUCTION

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is defined as bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract with no obvious cause after assessment with upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy. In these cases, the source is suspected to be in the small bowel. Obscure bleeding can be occult or overt. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and analytical characteristics and findings on capsule endoscopy in patients with OGIB and to determine the factors related to the detection of lesions in both forms of presentation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of capsule endoscopies carried out between November 2009 and November 2012 for OGIB.

RESULTS

We analyzed 284 capsule endoscopies in 272 patients. Initially, 12 procedures could not be evaluated and were repeated. A total of 272 procedures were finally included in the analysis. The results of 114 (41.9%) capsule endoscopies were normal. Compared with patients with occult OGIB, those with overt OGIB were significantly older (70.2 vs. 67.5 years; p = 0.04), consumed more NSAID (24.2% vs. 11.9%; p = 0.01), had higher hemoglobin levels (9.3 vs. 10.4; p < 0,001) and more frequently required transfusion (64.5% vs 32.2%; p < 0.001). No differences were found between the two forms of presentation in the detection of canker sores-ulcers and polyps-masses. Vascular lesions were more frequently detected in overt than in occult OGIB (40.3% vs. 25.7%, respectively), (p < 0.05). When the total number of diagnoses carried out by capsule endoscopy was analyzed, no differences were found in diagnostic yield between overt OGIB (57%) and occult OGIB (54%), (p = 0.6). In overt OGIB, multivariate analysis showed that the variables that significantly predicted the detection of lesions on capsule endoscopy were consumption of medication NSAID (OR 2.75; p = 0.01), antiplatelets and anticoagulants (OR 2.64; p = 0.03) and analytical data hemoglobin (OR 3.23; p < 0.001) and INR (OR 1.8; p = 0.02). In occult OGIB, multivariate analysis showed that the factors significantly related to the detection of lesions on endoscopy were age (OR 1.9; p = 0.04) and NSAID consumption (OR 2.1; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Capsule endoscopy is essential in the assessment of OGIB. Although the diagnostic yield was similar in both forms of presentation, vascular lesions were more frequently detected in overt OGIB. The diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy could be optimized by taking into account the form of presentation (overt vs. occult) and certain clinical and analytic data (age, drug consumption, hemoglobin).