Given Imaging's PillCam ESO comparable to endoscopy in two independent studies

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Feb. 8 - Given Imaging Ltd. said that two independent studies concluded that PillCam ESO is an accurate, noninvasive alternative to upper endoscopy in detecting esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients.

PillCam is a disposable, miniature video camera contained in a capsule, which is ingested by the patient, according to a company news release.

The first study, a multi-center, multi-national pilot study of 32 cirrhotic patients, compared PillCam ESO's ability to detect esophageal varices to upper endoscopy in cirrhotic patients.

PillCam ESO detected varices in 23 patients and signs of portal hypertension in 19 patients, matching the upper endoscopy findings, according to a company news release.

A second study assessed 21 cirrhotic patients to determine the accuracy of PillCam ESO and how well patients tolerate the procedure compared to upper endoscopy for portal hypertension screening. There was complete diagnostic agreement on the presence or absence of esophageal varices in 85% of patients.

"The results confirm that the capsule endoscopy technique is an accurate, safe, well-tolerated, rapid alternative screening method to detect esophageal varices without the need for conscious sedation and the costs associated with it," lead study author Glenn Eisen, M.D., said in the release.

Given said both prospective studies were published in the January issue of Endoscopy, the official publication of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Chronic liver disease results in 300,000 hospitalizations annually and costs more than $2 billion a year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Portal hypertension and esophageal varices are two of the main complications of liver disease.

Given develops, produces and markets patient-friendly products for detecting gastrointestinal disorders. The company is based in Yoqneam, Israel.

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