MedPath

Gastric Capsule Examination for Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Registration Number
NCT02282553
Lead Sponsor
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Brief Summary

This is a pilot prospective single blind controlled trial comparing magnetically steerable gastric capsule endoscopy to conventional oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in diagnosing upper gastrointestinal pathology in patients with recurrent/refractory iron-deficient anaemia.

Detailed Description

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, noninvasive 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 (Microcam 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.

The investigators 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. The investigators 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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
48
Inclusion Criteria
  • Patients aged 20 years and over.
  • Patients with recurrent/refractory iron deficiency anaemia who require a gastroscopy and small bowel capsule endoscopy as part of their diagnostic investigations.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Patients under the age of 20 years.
  • Patients with a permanent pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator or REVEAL device.
  • Patients with any electronic/magnetic/mechanically controlled devices e.g. sacral nerve stimulators, bladder stimulators.
  • Patients that are pregnant.
  • Patients who are unable to understand or speak English.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Diagnostic yield (pathology reporting form)Baseline

As completed on pathology reporting form

Gastric mucosal visibility (Assessed on a 1-5 scale )Baseline

Assessed on a 1-5 scale at specific gastric locations

Patient comfort score (visual analogue and numeric rating scales on Patient Comfort Questionnaire document)Baseline

Assessed using visual analogue and numeric rating scales on Patient Comfort Questionnaire document

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

🇬🇧

Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
🇬🇧Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

MedPath

Empowering clinical research with data-driven insights and AI-powered tools.

© 2025 MedPath, Inc. All rights reserved.