Investigation into the use of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of watermelon stomach
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN13565602 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13565602 |
| Protocol serial number | Version 1 |
| Sponsor | University College London |
| Funder | University College London |
- Submission date
- 06/06/2016
- Registration date
- 14/06/2016
- Last edited
- 07/09/2020
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Circulatory System
Plain English summary of protocol
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. 6-8 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 6 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
Contact information
Public
University College Hospital
235 Euston Road
London
NW1 2BU
United Kingdom
 ORCID ID |
0000-0002-4660-4382 |
|---|
Study information
| Primary study design | Observational |
|---|---|
| Study design | Longitudinal case-control study |
| Secondary study design | Case-control study |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | RadioFrequency Ablation for Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia |
| Study acronym | RFA for GAVE |
| Study objectives | The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). |
| Ethics approval(s) | NRES Committee London - Central, 03/02/2016, ref: 16/LO/0149 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) |
| Intervention | All patients receive radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) coupled with standard care. The usual care pathway involves regular blood tests to assess the requirement for blood transfusions or iron supplementation both before and after any endoscopic intervention. Following a treatment with RFA, a repeat endoscopy is performed 6-8 weeks later to assess a response to treatment and apply further therapy should it be indicated. Should it be necessary to repeat RFA then a further endoscopy 6-8 weeks later may also be performed. In this study, immediately before and six months after undergoing RFA, participants complete a quality of life questionnaire. In addition, over the six months following treatment, transfusion requirements and haemoglobin concentrations of patients and data from any follow up endoscopies is collected through medical note review in order to assess the effectiveness of the treatment pathway. |
| Intervention type | Procedure/Surgery |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
1. Quality of life is measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - fatigue scale (FACIT-F) questionnaire at baseline (pre-RFA) and 6 months post-RFA |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. Number of endoscopy treatment sessions are measured by reviewing patient notes at baseline (pre-RFA) and 6 months post-RFA |
| Completion date | 01/03/2018 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 30 |
| Total final enrolment | 20 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Existing diagnosis of GAVE that has resulted in anaemia requiring either intravenous iron replacement or blood transfusion 2. Undergoing endoscopic treatment with RFA 3. Aged 18 years and over |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Active malignancy 2. Anaemia due to other cause such as coeliac disease, small bowel pathology or haematological disease 3. Pregnancy |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/09/2015 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/09/2017 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
Fitzrovia, London
London
NW1 2BU
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | results | 01/03/2019 | 07/09/2020 | Yes | No |
| HRA research summary | 28/06/2023 | No | No | ||
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
07/09/2020: The following changes have been made:
1. Publication reference added.
2. The final enrolment number has been added from the reference.
