PillCam capsule endoscopy is useful and safe in children under eight years old: Study

Given Imaging Ltd. (NASDAQ: GIVN) today announced that a multi-center study published in the November edition of Gut showed PillCam capsule endoscopy of the small bowel to be just as useful and equally as safe in children under eight years old as it is in older children or adults. The prospective multicenter analysis was led by Annette Fritscher-Ravens M.D., Department of Interdisciplinary Endoscopy, University Hospital Kiel, Germany.

"Capsule endoscopy offers significant clinical value to younger patients who may have undergone multiple diagnostic procedures previously, without achieving a diagnosis," said Dr. Fritscher-Ravens. "Only with capsule endoscopy can we visualize the small bowel sufficiently to reach an accurate diagnosis in this very young patient population and begin treatment, ultimately improving the lives of these children."

"Often overlooked, these very young patients represent an important group of patients for whom accurate diagnosis and effective treatment can impact their lives significantly," said Homi Shamir, president and chief executive officer, Given Imaging. "We are proud to play a part in improving children's lives."

The study demonstrated that children as young as four years of age were able to swallow PillCam SB without any complications. The study also concluded that for children who were unable to swallow the capsule, a delivery device may be employed to place the capsule endoscopically.