Can we improve the detection rate and interobserver agreement in capsule endoscopy?

BACKGROUND: Data about strategies for improving the diagnostic ability of capsule endoscopy readers are lacking. AIM: (1) To evaluate the detection rate and the interobserver agreement among readers with different experience; (2) to verify the impact of a specific training (hands-on training plus expert tutorial) on these parameters. METHODS: 17 readers reviewed 12 videos twice; between the two readings they underwent the training. The identified small bowel findings were described by a simplified version of Structured Terminology and classifies as clinically significant/non-significant. Findings identified by the readers were compared with those identified by three experts (Reference Standard). RESULTS: The Reference Standard identified 26 clinically significant findings. The mean detection rate of overall readers for significant findings was low (about 50%) and did not change after the training (46.2% and 46.4%, respectively). There was no difference in the detection rate among readers with different experience. The interobserver agreement with the Reference Standard in describing significant findings was moderate (k = 0.44; CI95%: 0.39-0.50) and did not change after the training (k = 0.44; CI95%: 0.38-0.49) or stratifying readers according to their experience. CONCLUSIONS: Both the interobserver agreement and the detection rate of significant findings are low, regardless of the readers' experience. Our training did not significantly increase the performance of readers with different experience.

Small bowel capsule endoscopy in clinical practice: a multicenter 7-year survey.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Data about small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) come from studies involving small and highly selected populations. The study aim was to describe extent of use, indications, results, complications, and practical issues of SBCE in clinical practice in a Northern Italian Region (Lombardia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three out of 29 invited centers fulfilled a specific questionnaire. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2008, 2921 procedures were performed and both the number of centers performing SBCE (from 5 to 29) and the number of SBCE (from 7.2 to 69.2 per month) increased steadily. The main indications for SBCE were: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) (43.4%), unexplained anemia (23.9%), suspected Crohn's disease (7.8%) and abdominal pain (5.3%). Overall, SBCE was positive in 50% of cases, negative in 36% and undefined in 14%. The highest diagnostic yields were observed in patients with OGIB (62.5%), polypoid syndromes (74.1%), known (54.8%) or suspected (47.3%) inflammatory bowel disease, while the yields were low in patients examined for chronic diarrhea (27.4%) and abdominal pain (14.9%), 61 patients (2.1%) experienced capsule retention. Thirty-two of them eventually excreted the capsule naturally while endoscopic or surgical retrieval was necessary in 29 (1%) (in two because of obstruction). CONCLUSION: Over a period of 7 years the use of SBCE in Lombardia increased steadily confirming, in clinical practice, a high diagnostic yield and an acceptable safety profile.

Pregnancy before and after the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases: retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) commonly affect women during the reproductive years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive histories of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) considering pregnancies occurring before and after the diagnosis. METHOD: Case-control study evaluating IBD patients, interviewed by questionnaire about outcome of pregnancy and course of disease. RESULTS: A total of 502 pregnancies from 199 patients in the prediagnosis group and 121 pregnancies from 90 patients in the post-diagnosis group were respectively compared with 996 and 204 pregnancies recorded in a control population. In prediagnosis pregnancies, CD was associated with increased risk of preterm delivery (odds ratio [OR] 4.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.77-7.73; P < 0.001 vs controls and OR 3.52, 95% CI 1.75-7.07; P < 0.001 vs UC) and lower birthweight (P < 0.001 vs UC and controls). In post-diagnosis pregnancies, the rate of live births was lower, but not statistically significant in IBD (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.04-1.25; P = 0.08) and the birthweight was significantly lower in CD than in UC (P < 0.03) and in controls (P < 0.02). In post-diagnosis pregnancies, a higher incidence of congenital abnormalities was found in IBD patients (5.5% vs 0.0%). The spontaneous abortion rate and therapeutic abortions were significantly higher in post than in prediagnosis pregnancies. Neither disease activity at conception nor treatment appeared to influence the outcome of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: CD in the preclinical phase has some influence on pregnancy. In patients with IBD our data suggest that conception should not be discouraged. However, because of a modest increase in mild congenital abnormalities and abortions rates, pregnancy in IBD patients should be closely monitored.

Gender and disease activity influence health-related quality of life in inflammatory bowel diseases.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Measurement of health related quality of life (HRQoL) is a new tool to evaluate patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aims of this study were to verify reliability and responsiveness of a disease-specific questionnaire [Italian Questionnaire on Quality of Life (IQQoL)], and to assess the relationship between clinical and demographic variables and HRQoL in IBD patients. METHODOLOGY: The IQQoL was submitted to all IBD patients consecutively seen at eight participating Hospitals, and re-administered at follow-up visits. The IQQoL covers intestinal and systemic symptoms, emotional and social function. The higher the score, the worse the HRQoL. RESULTS: 249 patients were enrolled, 106 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 143 with ulcerative colitis (UC). IQQoL was re-administered to 134 patients: 98 with unchanged, 17 with worsened and 19 with improved disease activity. The IQQoL was stable over time in patients with stable clinical conditions, and very responsive to change both in patients with improved and worsened disease activity. HRQoL was inversely correlated with disease activity, both in CD and UC. Perception of HRQoL was significantly worse in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS: The IQQoL is a reliable and responsive instrument to assess HRQoL in IBD patients. Active disease is related to poor HRQoL perception. In CD, women, mainly if young, have a worse HRQoL perception than men.