Abstract
Background and study aims
Glasgow-Blachford (GBS) and Rockall scores are recognized tools to prioritize patients
with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Their utility in predicting findings on capsule
endoscopy (CE) in patients with overt small bowel bleeding (OSBB) remains unclear.
The aim was to assess use of these scores in predicting relevant findings on CE and
outcome among patients with suspected OSBB.
Patients and methods
A retrospective analysis was performed from January 2019 to June 2022. Clinical parameters
and scores were collected at presentation and at 24 hours. Univariate analysis used
simple logistic regression, chi-squared test or Mann-Whitney as needed. ROC analysis
was performed selecting the optimal cut-off point maximized by the Youden index.
Results
Seventy-nine patients were included, 62% of whom had relevant findings. The predictor
showing the highest discrimination ability was the initial GBS (area under the curve
[AUC] 0.625; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.76). The optimal cut-off point was
at least 4, with sensitivity 98%, specificity 30%, and accuracy 72%. Multivariable
regression analysis showed inpatient status on CE (odds ratio [OR] 117.27; 95% CI
11.32–4492.93; P = 0.001), shorter time to CE (OR 1.02; CI 1.01–1.04; P = 0.018), higher initial GBS (OR 1.22; CI 1.06–1.43; P = 0.009), and higher GBS within 24 hours (OR 1.19; CI 1.04–1.37; P = 0.013) were predictive factors for relevant findings on CE, with a model AUC 0.802,
sensitivity 91.8%, and specificity 63.3%.
Conclusions
GBS and Rockall scores were useful in predicting relevant findings on CE in this cohort
of patients with suspected OSBB. In patients with GBS 5 or higher, early CE during
the same admission is warranted.
Keywords
Endoscopy Small Bowel - Small intestinal bleeding - Capsule endoscopy - Small bowel
endoscopy - Endoscopy Upper GI Tract - Ulcers (peptic and other) - Non-variceal bleeding
Bibliographical Record
Raquel Ballester, James O'Connell, Conor Costigan, Shreyashee Sengupta, Thilagaraj
Manoharan, Monserrat Martinez, Deirdre Mc Namara. Glasgow-Blatchford and Rockall score
utility in predicting findings on video capsule endoscopy in patients admitted with
overt small bowel bleeding. Endosc Int Open 2025; 13: a24521219.
DOI: 10.1055/a-2452-1219