Given Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq: GIVN; TASE: GIVN) reported that a study presented at the Digestive Disease Week 2008 conference this week determined that capsule endoscopy enabled physicians to identify endoscopic markers of celiac disease (CD) as accurately as standard endoscopy.
Celiac disease is a digestive disease that prevents proper nutrient absorption, and is specifically triggered as an immune system response to gluten, a protein found in many grains.
Led by Dr. Cristiano Spada of the Digestive Endoscopic Unit of the Catholic University in Rome, study investigators suggest PillCam SB as a first-line diagnostic tool in high risk CD patients.
"Capsule endoscopy with PillCam SB provides clear visualization of the villous patterns and accurately records endoscopic markers associated with celiac disease. This patient-friendly option is of particular relevance to high-risk patients and should be considered as a first-line diagnostic tool," said Dr. Spada.
This study confirms the current guidelines and a growing body of clinical evidence that supports the use of capsule endoscopy to diagnose and screen patients who are sero-positive for CD. ICCE guidelines also recommend capsule endoscopy use in patients who are symptomatic on a gluten-free diet, or who present with alarm symptoms such as weight loss, fever and pain . Shares in Given were up 2.5% to $16.70 in early afternoon trading on Nasdaq, reflecting a market cap of $488.3 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 19, 2008
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