P229 PillCamCrohn’sCapsule: the use of a panenteric capsule endoscopy in a Portuguese centre
C. Gomes, M. Sousa, A. Ponte, R. Pinho, A. Rodrigues, J.C. Rocha Silva, E. Afecto, J. Carvalho
Department of Gastroenterology, Centro Hospitalar Vila Nova de Gaia, Vila Nova Gaia, Portugal
Background
Crohn’s disease (CD) is a complex chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal condition with variable age of onset, disease location and behaviour. PillCamCrohn’sCapsule (PCC) was recently introduced as a new system composed of a two-headed capsule which allows an extensive coverage of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This panenteric capsule endoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of CD patients and has the potential to reduce multiple procedures in CD, consequently increasing patients’ satisfaction. However, its role in clinical practice remains undefined due to limited data. A recent study in children demonstrated its importance ina treat-to-target approach and a randomised trial is currently under-recruiting in order to evaluate the likelihood of panenteric mucosal healing in CD patients treated with Vedolizumab. The authors present an analysis of the application of this system.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis of SBC from patients with suspected or established CD was performed. Data were collected retrospectively. Patients performed 2L of polyethylene glycol (PEG) prior to PCC ingestion. After PCC ingestion, patients underwent sequentially: 2 boosters of sodium phosphate (NaP). The authors assessed: indication of PCC, bowel preparation, completeness (when the capsule was naturally excreted), Lewis and CECDAI scores and complications. Diagnosis confirmation and changes in stage disease were also evaluated.
Results
Eighteen patients (median age 43 years, 55.6% female, established CD in 83.3%) were included in the analysis. Indications were suspected CD (16.7%), definition of disease activity and extension (27.8%) and assessment of treatment response (44.4%). All procedures were complete and had an adequate bowel cleansing (
Conclusion
This preliminary study showed that PCC is an effective and safe tool to use in suspected or established CD patients. In our study, this method was more frequently used for assessment of treatment response. PCC could be of great advantage in our clinical practice since it provides a complete examination of mucosal healing of the gastrointestinal tract in a single procedure, helping physicians in disease management.