Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises a number of disorders, such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD). A retrospective cohort study of pedi patients published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition has identified that capsule endoscopy can be a useful diagnostic modality in identifying the exact type of inflammatory bowel disease. The study used Given Imaging‘s PillCam device.
The company explains:
The retrospective cohort analysis examined the medical records of patients from ages two to 18 years of age who had been previously diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis and whose disease had flared within the previous three years, leading to capsule endoscopy. Twenty-eight (28) patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Key findings include:
— 71% (5/7) of patients with ulcerative or indeterminate colitis had small bowel CE findings that led to reclassification of disease (from ulcerative or indeterminate colitis to Crohn’s disease), resulting in a
change in medical management.
— 62% (13/21) of patients with Crohn’s disease were found to have more extensive (more proximal) small bowel disease than previously identified, 92% of which occurred in the jejunum, suggesting that pediatric Crohn’s
disease may involve the proximal small bowel more than previously reported.
— Of those with previously unrecognized jejunal disease, 92% (11/12) of treatment regimens were altered based upon the new CE findings.
Abstract in JPGN: Capsule Endoscopy May Reclassify Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Historical Analysis
Press release: Study Shows That PillCam(R) SB Helps Doctors Treat Children With Crohn’s Disease More Effectively
More about the PillCam from our archives…