Comparing alternative follow-up strategies for patients with stable coeliac disease.

Background: Once clinically stable, patients with coeliac disease should have annual follow-up. Lack of capacity in gastroenterology outpatient clinics mean alternatives are required.

Objectives: We studied the effectiveness of follow-up deferred to general practitioners (GP-FU) and compared this with a neighbouring Trust where follow-up was through a dedicated nurse-led telephone clinic (T-FU).

Incidence and predictive factors for positive SeHCAT test: improving the diagnosis of bile acid diarrhoea.

Aims: To determine the value of SeHCAT retention in determining bile acid diarrhoea (BAD), treatment response and predictors of a positive result.

Methods: Retrospective casenote review of consecutive patients undergoing SeHCAT from 2008 to 2014, including gender, age, history, clinical, and laboratory parameters. This included diseases associated with Type 1 BAD (ileal resection, Crohn's disease) and Type 3 BAD.

Can patients determine the level of their dysphagia?

Aim: To determine if patients can localise dysphagia level determined endoscopically or radiologically and association of gender, age, level and pathology.

Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive patients presenting to dysphagia hotline between March 2004 and March 2015 was carried out. Demographics, clinical history and investigation findings were recorded including patient perception of obstruction level (pharyngeal, mid sternal or low sternal) was documented and the actual level of obstruction found on endoscopic or radiological examination (if any) was noted.

Incidence and features of eosinophilic esophagitis in dysphagia: a prospective observational study.

Objective: The incidence and symptoms associated with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) varies with geographic location, present in 7-15% dysphagic European or North American adults. We aimed to determine incidence and features of EoE in a dysphagic New Zealand population.

Materials And Methods: 101 consecutive patients presenting with dysphagia to a New Zealand teaching hospital completed a questionnaire (demographics and history) before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and esophageal biopsies.

Incidence and predictive features of pharyngeal pouch in a dysphagic population.

Pharyngeal pouch patients often present with dysphagia and risk perforation when undergoing gastroscopy. Knowledge of pharyngeal pouch incidence and predictive demographic features in patients referred for dysphagia would help determine those patients who should have barium swallow as an initial investigation. The prospectively collected data of 2,797 consecutive referrals were analysed.

Improved clinical outcomes and efficacy with a nurse-led dysphagia hotline service.

Background: A nurse practitioner-led dysphagia service was introduced to improve appropriateness of investigations.

Objective: To determine the clinical outcomes and efficacy of this service.

Design And Patients: A 7-year prospective audit of the first 2000 patients referred for investigation of dysphagia.