Gastric capsule examination for iron deficiency anaemia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pilot Study: Diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal pathology in patients with recurrent/refractory iron deficiency anaemia: magnetically steerable gastric capsule endoscopy versus conventional gastroscopy.
IRAS ID
156830
Contact name
ME McAlindon
Contact email
Research summary
Gastroscopy (OGD) is a useful test for investigating a variety of suspected upper GI disorders. But it is uncomfortable for patients and incurs the risk of intubation and sedation, plus a large proportion of procedures reveal insignificant or no pathology.
Capsule endoscopy (CE) is the investigation of choice for diseases of the small bowel. It is safe, non-invasive and well-tolerated. The use of CE is traditionally restricted to the small bowel, although newer capsules to image the oesophagus and colon are currently in use. Previous capsules have failed to adequately image the stomach due to its’ large volume and rugal folds. Recently a magnetic capsule and handheld magnet has been developed (Mirocam Navi, Intromedic Ltd, Seoul, Korea) to enable an element of manoeuvrability of the capsule. This is unnecessary in the small bowel where the capsule is propelled along its’ tubular structure by peristalsis, but in the capacious stomach this may allow the capsule to be steered to examine all areas of the stomach.
We have already conducted two feasibility studies in porcine models with promising results and a trial is currently underway using this equipment to steer the small bowel capsule through the stomach into the duodenum. The next logical step is to compare this technique to the conventional standard of upper GI investigation; OGD.
Patients with recurrent or refractory iron deficiency anaemia require a combination of gastroscopy and small bowel capsule endoscopy as part of their diagnostic investigations. We wish to undertake a pilot prospective single blind controlled trial comparing magnetically steerable gastric capsule examination to conventional OGD in diagnosing upper gastrointestinal pathology in patients with recurrent/refractory iron deficiency anaemia.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1010
Date of REC Opinion
16 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion