Background Small-bowel capsule endoscopy is advocated and repeat upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy should be considered for evaluation of recurrent or refractory iron deficiency anemia (IDA). A new device that allows magnetic steering of the capsule around the stomach (magnetically assisted capsule endoscopy [MACE]), followed by passive small-bowel examination might satisfy both requirements in a single procedure. Methods In this prospective cohort study, MACE and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were performed in patients with recurrent or refractory IDA. Comparisons of total (upper GI and small bowel) and upper GI diagnostic yields, gastric mucosal visibility, and patient comfort scores were the primary end points. Results 49 patients were recruited (median age 64 years; 39 % male). Combined upper and small-bowel examination using the new capsule yielded more pathology than EGD alone (113 vs. 52; P < 0.001). In upper GI examination (proximal to the second part of the duodenum, D2), MACE identified more total lesions than EGD (88 vs. 52; P < 0.001). There was also a difference if only IDA-associated lesions (esophagitis, altered/fresh blood, angioectasia, ulcers, and villous atrophy) were included (20 vs. 10; P = 0.04). Pathology distal to D2 was identified in 17 patients (34.7 %). Median scores (0 – 10 for none – extreme) for pain (0 vs. 2), discomfort (0 vs. 3), and distress (0 vs. 4) were lower for MACE than for EGD (P < 0.001). Conclusion Combined examination of the upper GI tract and small bowel using the MACE capsule detected more pathology than EGD alone in patients with recurrent or refractory IDA. MACE also had a higher diagnostic yield than EGD in the upper GI tract and was better tolerated by patients.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 is an important regulator of phosphaturia. Its serum level was found to increase before that of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in early chronic kidney disease (CKD) in some but not all previous studies. As vitamin D insufficiency is associated with elevated PTH, we determined the effect of vitamin D status on FGF23 and PTH levels in relation to glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in people with CKD stage 3. Serum intact FGF23, PTH, and 25(OH)vitamin D3 were measured in 1664 patients who were prospectively recruited from primary care. Mean or median values for key variables were an age of 73 years, estimated GFR (eGFR) of 53 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), PTH 46 pg/ml, FGF23 42 pg/ml, and 25(OH)vitamin D3 53 nmol/l. FGF23 and PTH concentrations were elevated in similar proportions of people with lower eGFR in the whole cohort. However, when 752 people with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency were excluded, FGF23 was elevated in a greater proportion than PTH at all levels of eGFR. Conversely, among people with vitamin D insufficiency, PTH was elevated in a greater proportion than FGF23 at all GFR levels of ⩾40 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). In this cohort, we were able to triangulate the relationship between 25(OH)vitamin D3, PTH, and FGF23, showing that vitamin D status critically determines whether FGF23 or PTH becomes elevated first in the context of lower GFR. Future studies of FGF23 in people with CKD should routinely determine their vitamin D status.

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The method performs well and is now used in the routine analysis of sweat in this laboratory.

AIMTo test the feasibility and performance of a novel upper gastrointestinal (GI) capsule endoscope using a nurse-led protocol.METHODSWe conducted a prospective cohort analysis of patients who declined gastroscopy (oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, OGD) but who consented to upper GI capsule endoscopy. Patients swallowed the upper GI capsule following ingestion of 1 liter of water (containing simethicone). A series of positional changes were used to exploit the effects of water flow and move the upper GI capsule from one gravity-dependent area to another using a nurse-led protocol. Capsule transit time, video reading time, mucosal visualisation, pathology detection and patient tolerance was evaluated.RESULTSFifty patients were included in the study. The mean capsule transit times in the oesophagus and stomach were 28 s and 68 min respectively. Visualisation of the following major anatomical landmarks was achieved (graded 1-5: Poor to excellent): Oesophagus, 4.8 (± 0.5); gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ), 4.8 (± 0.8); cardia, 4.8 (± 0.8); fundus, 3.8 (± 1.2); body, 4.5 (± 1); antrum, 4.5 (± 1); pylorus, 4.7 (± 0.8); duodenal bulb, 4.7 (± 0.7); second part of the duodenum (D2), 4.7 (± 1). The upper GI capsule reached D2 in 64% of patients. The mean video reading time was 48 min with standard playback mode and 20 min using Quickview (P = 0.0001). No pathology was missed using Quickview. Procedural tolerance was excellent. No complications were seen with the upper GI capsule.CONCLUSIONThe upper GI capsule achieved excellent views of the upper GI tract. Future studies should compare the diagnostic accuracy between upper GI capsule and OGD.