Validation of Esophageal Variceal Grading: A Comparative Study of Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy and Capsule Endoscopy



Status:Completed
Conditions:Cardiology, Gastrointestinal
Therapuetic Areas:Cardiology / Vascular Diseases, Gastroenterology
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - Any
Updated:4/2/2016
Start Date:January 2007
End Date:May 2008
Contact:Paul J Thuluvath, MD
Email:pjthuluv@jhmi.edu
Phone:410-614-5389

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The purpose of this study is to develop a grading system for esophageal varices using
capsule endoscopy in patients with portal hypertension and cirrhosis.

Up to 35% of patients with cirrhosis will develop esophageal varices, which carry with them
a 1-year and 3-year bleeding rate of 33% and 41%, respectively. Screening for varices with a
video endoscopy is limited by its cost, patient compliance, and the risks of sedating a
patient with portal hypertension. Capsule endoscopy is a novel method that may reduce the
costs and increase compliance for screening.

The investigators propose to screen 100 consecutive patients with advanced cirrhosis for
esophageal varices. A capsule endoscopy and video endoscopy will be done on the same day.
The varices seen on video endoscopy will be graded using a standard grading scale. Both
capsule and video endoscopy images will be assessed in a blinded fashion by 4 independent
investigators. Finally, the video endoscopic images will be compared to capsule endoscopy to
develop a capsule endoscopy grading system that corresponds to video endoscopy.

The primary endpoint of the study will be to develop a grading system for esophageal varices
using capsule endoscopy. Secondary endpoints of the study include sensitivity, specificity,
inter- and intraobserver variation of variceal grading using capsule endoscopy; patient
acceptance as assessed on a visual analogue scale; and a cost comparison (facility fees +
professional fees) of the two screening methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Advanced cirrhosis with portal hypertension based on imaging, clinical suspicion, or
liver biopsy

- Age greater than or equal to 18 years old

- Able to give consent

Exclusion Criteria:

- Current implantable cardioverter-defibrillators or pacemaker in place

- Suspected intestinal obstruction

- Esophageal swallowing disorder

- Esophageal stenosis

- Age less than 18 years old

- Pregnancy

- Known Zenker's diverticulum

- Patients with previous endoscopic or surgical esophageal treatment
We found this trial at
1
site
1800 Orleans St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21287
410-955-5000
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