Woman and Man
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Extract
Background and study aims Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), also known as watermelon stomach, is a rare condition in which the lining of the stomach bleeds, giving it the characteristic stripes of a watermelon. The exact cause is unknown, however it is associated with the dilation (widening) of the small blood vessels in the last part of the stomach (antrum), which lead to bleeding. This often causes severe anaemia (low red blood cell count or iron levels), which requires treatment with iron supplements or blood transfusions. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure in which the affected tissue (in this case, the dilated blood vessels) are destroyed using heat. The procedure is guided by an endoscope (camera on the end of a thin, flexible tube that is passed into the stomach via the mouth), and targets the affected blood vessels at the bottom of the stomach. The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of the endoscopic RFA procedure in the treatment of GAVE. Who can participate? Adult patients with GAVE that has led to anaemia, who are undergoing endoscopic RFA treatment. What does the study involve? All participants undergo RFA treatment for their GAVE. Immediately before the treatment and six months later, participants complete a questionnaire about their quality of life. Six-eight weeks after the RFA treatment, part of standard care given involves a follow up endoscopy to assess how well the treatment has worked. The results of this are recorded by the investigators. Over the six months after treatment, the participant’s medical notes are reviewed in order to record the amount of blood transfusions they have had as well as their red blood cell count (sign of anaemia). What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? There are no direct benefits or risks involved with participating in this study. Where is the study run from? University College Hospital (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? September 2015 to March 2018 Who is funding the study? University College London (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Rehan Haidry
Inclusion criteria
- Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE)