Recent Submissions

  • The diagnostic accuracy of colon capsule endoscopy in Inflammatory bowel disease - a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Lei, Ian Io; Thorndal, Camilla; Manzoor, Muhammad Shoaib; Parsons, Nicholas; Noble, Charlie; Huhulea, Cristiana; Koulaouzidis, Anastasios; Arasaradnam, Ramesh P; Gastroenterology; Medical and Dental; et al. (MDPI, 2024-09-16)
    Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) has regained popularity for lower gastrointestinal investigations since the COVID-19 pandemic. While there have been systematic reviews and meta-analyses on colonic polyp detection using CCE, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence concerning colonic inflammation. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CCE for colonic inflammation, predominantly ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Methods: We systematically searched electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed Central, and Cochrane Library) for studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy between CCE and optical endoscopy as the standard reference. A bivariate random effect model was used for the meta-analysis. Results: From 3797 publications, 23 studies involving 1353 patients were included. Nine studies focused on UC, and ten focused on CD. For UC, CCE showed a pooled sensitivity of 92% (95% CI, 88-95%), a specificity of 71% (95% CI, 35-92%), and an AUC of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.97). For CD, the pooled sensitivity was 92% (95% CI, 89-95%), and the specificity was 88% (95% CI, 84-92%), with an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.76-0.98). Overall, for inflammatory bowel disease, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were 90% (95% CI, 85-93%), 76% (95% CI, 56-90%), and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.94-0.97), respectively. Conclusions: Despite the challenges around standardised disease scoring and the lack of histological confirmation, CCE performs well in diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease. It demonstrates high sensitivity in both UC and Crohn's terminal ileitis and colitis and high specificity in Crohn's disease. Further studies are needed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of other colonic inflammatory conditions.
  • Rationalizing polyp matching criteria in colon capsule endoscopy: an international expert consensus through RAND (modified DELPHI) process

    Lei, Ian Io; Koulaouzidis, Anastasios; Baatrup, Gunnar; Samaan, Mark; Parisi, Ioanna; McAlindon, Mark; Toth, Ervin; Shaukat, Aasma; Valentiner, Ursula; Dabos, Konstantinos John; et al. (Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 2024-06-12)
    Creating criteria and standards for matching polyps (abnormal growth in the bowels) on colon capsule video analysis: an international expert agreement using the RAND (modified Delphi process) process Background: Doctors often use colon capsule endoscopy (CCE), a high-tech capsule with two cameras, to record and check for diseases in the small and large bowels as the capsule travels through the intestines. One of the most common conditions in the large bowel is polyps, which are abnormal growths in the lining of the bowel. Comparing and matching polyps in the same video from the capsule can be tricky as they look very similar, leading to the possibility of incorrectly reporting the same polyp twice or more. This can lead to wrong results and inaccuracies. The literature did not have any criteria or standards for matching polyps in CCE before. Aim: Using the RAND/UCLA (modified Delphi) process, this study aims to identify the key factors or components used to match polyps within a CCE video. The goal is to explore each factor and create complete criteria for polyp matching based on the agreement from international experts. Method: A group of 11 international CCE experts came together to evaluate a survey with 60 statements. They anonymously rated each statement on a scale from 1 to 9 (1-3: inappropriate, 4-6: uncertain, and 7-9: appropriate). After discussing the Round 1 results virtually, a Round 2 survey with the same but revised questions was created and completed before the final analysis of their agreement. Results: The main factors for matching polyps are 1) the timing when the polyp was seen, 2) where it is in the bowel, 3) its blood vessel pattern, 4) size, 5) the timing of its appearance between cameras, 6) surrounding tissue features, 7) its shape, and 8) surface features. If five or more of these factors match, the compared polyps are likely the same. Conclusion: This study establishes the first complete criteria for matching polyps in CCE. While it may not provide a definitive solution for matching challenging and small polyps, these criteria serve as a guide to help and make the process of polyp matching easier.
  • Clinicians' guide to artificial intelligence in colon capsule endoscopy - technology made simple

    Lei, Ian I; Nia, Gohar J; White, Elizabeth; Wenzek, Hagen; Segui, Santi; Watson, Angus J M; Koulaouzidis, Anastasios; Arasaradnam, Ramesh P; Lei, Ian I; Nia, Gohar J; et al. (MDPI, 2023-03-08)
    Artificial intelligence (AI) applications have become widely popular across the healthcare ecosystem. Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) was adopted in the NHS England pilot project following the recent COVID pandemic's impact. It demonstrated its capability to relieve the national backlog in endoscopy. As a result, AI-assisted colon capsule video analysis has become gastroenterology's most active research area. However, with rapid AI advances, mastering these complex machine learning concepts remains challenging for healthcare professionals. This forms a barrier for clinicians to take on this new technology and embrace the new era of big data. This paper aims to bridge the knowledge gap between the current CCE system and the future, fully integrated AI system. The primary focus is on simplifying the technical terms and concepts in machine learning. This will hopefully address the general "fear of the unknown in AI" by helping healthcare professionals understand the basic principle of machine learning in capsule endoscopy and apply this knowledge in their future interactions and adaptation to AI technology. It also summarises the evidence of AI in CCE and its impact on diagnostic pathways. Finally, it discusses the unintended consequences of using AI, ethical challenges, potential flaws, and bias within clinical settings.
  • Study of capsule endoscopy delivery at scale through enhanced artificial intelligence-enabled analysis (the CESCAIL study).

    Lei, Ian Io; Tompkins, Katie; White, Elizabeth; Watson, Angus; Parsons, Nicholas; Noufaily, Angela; Segui, Santi; Wenzek, Hagen; Badreldin, Rawya; Conlin, Abby; et al. (Wiley, 2023-04-21)
    No Abstract
  • In vivo terahertz sensing of psoriasis and eczema patients.

    Young, Jacob J; Hernandez-Serrano, Arturo I; Hardwicke, Joesph; Pickwell-MacPherson, Emma; Medical and Dental; Authors: Jacob J. Young, Arturo I. Hernandez-Serrano, Joesph Hardwicke & Emma Pickwell-MacPherson (Scientific Reports, 2024-07-30)
    In this study we present the first in vivo clinical study of patients with eczema and psoriasis using terahertz (THz) sensing. Eczema and psoriasis patients were measured using a handheld THz scanner, both before and after the application of moisturiser. We show that THz sensing can distinguish between dry and healthy skin in different regions of the body. Furthermore, the impact of applying moisturiser on the skin can also be observed and potentially evaluated using THz light.
  • Patterns, timing and predictors of recurrence following pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal cholangiocarcinoma: An international multicentre retrospective cohort study.

    Labib, Peter Lz; Russell, Thomas B; Denson, Jemimah L; Puckett, Mark A; Ausania, Fabio; Pando, Elizabeth; Roberts, Keith J; Kausar, Ambareen; Mavroeidis, Vasileios K; Bhogal, Ricky H; et al. (Elsevier, 2024-04-22)
    Introduction: Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) often develop cancer recurrence. Establishing timing, patterns and risk factors for recurrence may help inform surveillance protocol strategies or select patients who could benefit from additional systemic or locoregional therapies. This multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to determine timing, patterns, and predictive factors of recurrence following pancreaticoduodenectomy for dCCA. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for dCCA between June 2012 and May 2015 with five years of follow-up were included. The primary outcome was recurrence pattern (none, local-only, distant-only or mixed local/distant). Data were collected on comorbidities, investigations, operation details, complications, histology, adjuvant and palliative therapies, recurrence-free and overall survival. Univariable tests and regression analyses investigated factors associated with recurrence. Results: In the cohort of 198 patients, 129 (65%) developed recurrence: 30 (15%) developed local-only recurrence, 44 (22%) developed distant-only recurrence and 55 (28%) developed mixed pattern recurrence. The most common recurrence sites were local (49%), liver (24%) and lung (11%). 94% of patients who developed recurrence did so within three years of surgery. Predictors of recurrence on univariable analysis were cancer stage, R1 resection, lymph node metastases, perineural invasion, microvascular invasion and lymphatic invasion. Predictors of recurrence on multivariable analysis were female sex, venous resection, advancing histological stage and lymphatic invasion. Conclusion: Two thirds of patients have cancer recurrence following pancreaticoduodenectomy for dCCA, and most recur within three years of surgery. The commonest sites of recurrence are the pancreatic bed, liver and lung. Multiple histological features are associated with recurrence.
  • Impact of colonoscopy on health-related quality of life: findings from the RECEDE study.

    Andronis, L; Waugh, N; Zanganeh, M; Krishnamoorthy, A; Parsons, N; Hull, M; Wheatstone, P; Arasaradnam, R P; Arasaradnam, Ramesh; Medical and Dental; et al. (Health Qual Life Outcomes, 2024-06-26)
    Background: Colonoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool but the procedure and the preparation for it cause anxiety and discomfort that impacts on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The 'disutility' of undergoing an invasive colonoscopy needs to be considered and accounted for in comprehensive cost-utility analyses that compare different diagnostic strategies, yet there is little empirical evidence that can be used in such studies. To fill this gap, we collected and analysed data on the effect of a colonoscopy examination on patients' HRQoL that can be used in economic evaluations.
  • Poor correlation of 2D shear wave elastography and transient elastography in Fontan-associated liver disease: A head-to-head comparison.

    Gill, Madeleine; Mudaliar, Sanjivan; Prince, David; Than, Nwe Ni; Cordina, Rachel; Majumdar, Avik; Than, Nwe Ni; Medicine; Medical and Dental (Wiley, 2023-09-14)
    We analyzed 40 paired measurements. Median age was 22 years. Median liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was 15.4 kPa (12.1-19.6) by TE and 8.0 kPa (7.0-10.3) (P = 0.001) by 2D SWE. There was weak correlation between the modalities (r = 0.41, P = 0.004). There was no correlation between time since Fontan and LSM by TE (r = 0.15, P = 0.19) or 2D SWE (r = 0.19, P = 0.13). There was no difference in LSM irrespective of whether sonographic cirrhosis was present or absent by TE (17.4 kPa [15.9-23.6] vs. 14.9 kPa [12.0-19.4], respectively, P = 0.6) or 2D SWE (9.0 kPa [2.8-10.5] vs. 8.0 kPa [6.7-10.1], P = 0.46). There was no correlation between AVV S/D ratio and LSM by TE (r = 0.16, P = 0.18) or 2D SWE (r = 0.02, P = 0.45).
  • The impact of climate change on health is an immediate danger.

    Arasaradnam, Ramesh; Medicine; Medical and Dental; University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (BMJ Publishing Group, 2023-10-03)
    No abstract available
  • Efficacy and Safety of Maintenance Ustekinumab for Ulcerative Colitis Through 3 Years: UNIFI Long-term Extension.

    Abreu, Maria T; Rowbotham, David S; Danese, Silvio; Sandborn, William J; Miao, Ye; Zhang, Hongyan; Tikhonov, Ilia; Panaccione, Remo; Hisamatsu, Tadakazu; Scherl, Ellen J; et al. (Oxford University Press, 2022-08)
    Background and aims: The UNIFI long-term extension [LTE] study reports the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous 90 mg ustekinumab through 3 years of maintenance therapy.
  • Comparing assessment tools for detecting undernutrition in patients with liver cirrhosis

    Hammond, C; Roper, T; Mukarati, J; Ford, R; Burrell, J; Burch, Nicola; McFarlane, Michael; Gordon, Victoria; Burch, Nicola; McFarlane, Michael; et al. (Elsevier, 2017-11-02)
    Undernutrition in cirrhotic patients is often poorly recognised until late-stages. The current UK screening tool, the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, can miss undernutrition in patients with ascites/fluid retention. A 6-question Liver Disease Undernutrition Screening Tool (LDUST) has been developed in America.
  • Remission of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Glucose-6-Phosphatase 3 Deficiency by Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

    Bolton, Chrissy; Pandey, Sumeet; Pagnamenta, Alistair T; Taylor, Jenny C; Taylor, John M; Marsh, Judith C W; Potter, Victoria; Travis, Simon; Uhlig, Holm H; Burch, Nicola; et al. (Oxford University Press, 2020-01)
    Mendelian disorders in glucose-6-phosphate metabolism can present with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Using whole genome sequencing we identified a homozygous variant in the glucose-6-phosphatase G6PC3 gene [c.911dupC; p.Q305fs*82] in an adult patient with congenital neutropenia, lymphopenia and childhood-onset, therapy-refractory Crohn's disease. Because G6PC3 is expressed in several haematopoietic and non-haematopoietic cells it was unclear whether allogeneic stem cell transplantation [HSCT] would benefit this patient with intestinal inflammation. We show that HSCT resolves G6PC3-associated immunodeficiency and the Crohn's disease phenotype. It illustrates how even in adulthood, next-generation sequencing can have a significant impact on clinical practice and healthcare utilization in patients with immunodeficiency and monogenic IBD.
  • Concerns regarding the recommendations of the British Society of Gastroenterology's lower GI bleeding guidelines

    Verma, Ajay M; Bhala, Neeraj; Chilton, Andrew; Disney, Benjamin R; Disney, Benjamin; Disney, Benjamin; Medicine; Medical and Dental (BMJ Publishing Group, 2019-04-17)
    Comment on Diagnosis and management of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: guidelines from the British Society of Gastroenterology. Oakland K, Chadwick G, East JE, Guy R, Humphries A, Jairath V, McPherson S, Metzner M, Morris AJ, Murphy MF, Tham T, Uberoi R, Veitch AM, Wheeler J, Regan C, Hoare J. Gut. 2019 May;68(5):776-789. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-317807. Epub 2019 Feb 12. PMID: 30792244
  • JAG consensus statements for training and certification in oesophagogastroduodenoscopy.

    Siau, Keith; Beales, Ian L P; Haycock, Adam; Alzoubaidi, Durayd; Follows, Rachael; Haidry, Rehan; Mannath, Jayan; McConnell, Susan; Murugananthan, Aravinth; Ravindran, Srivathsan; et al. (BMJ Publishing Group, 2022-01-24)
    Introduction: Training and quality assurance in oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) is important to ensure competent practice. A national evidence-based review was undertaken to update and develop standards and recommendations for OGD training and certification. Methods: Under the oversight of the Joint Advisory Group (JAG), a modified Delphi process was conducted with stakeholder representation from British Society of Gastroenterology, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, trainees and trainers. Recommendations on OGD training and certification were formulated following literature review and appraised using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. These were subjected to electronic voting to achieve consensus. Accepted statements were incorporated into the updated certification pathway. Results: In total, 32 recommendation statements were generated for the following domains: definition of competence (4 statements), acquisition of competence (12 statements), assessment of competence (10 statements) and post-certification support (6 statements). The consensus process led to following certification criteria: (1) performing ≥250 hands-on procedures; (2) attending a JAG-accredited basic skills course; (3) attainment of relevant minimal performance standards defined by British Society of Gastroenterology/Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, (4) achieving physically unassisted D2 intubation and J-manoeuvre in ≥95% of recent procedures, (5) satisfactory performance in formative and summative direct observation of procedural skills assessments. Conclusion: The JAG standards for diagnostic OGD have been updated following evidence-based consensus. These standards are intended to support training, improve competency assessment to uphold standards of practice and provide support to the newly-independent practitioner.