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The incidence of gallbladder stones and gallbladder function in beta-thalassemic children
A G Kalayci1, D Albayrak, M Güneş
1Department of Pediatrics, Ondokuz Mayis University, School of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey.
Insights
Beta-thalassemic children often develop gallstones and gallbladder dysfunction. These patients exhibit enlarged gallbladders with impaired bile emptying, increasing the risk of pigment gallstones.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Hepatobiliary Medicine
Background:
- Beta-thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder.
- Gallbladder dysfunction and gallstones are potential complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess gallbladder motor function in children with beta-thalassemia.
- To determine the prevalence of gallstones in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Real-time ultrasound (US) was used to measure gallbladder size and calculate volume.
- Gallbladder function was assessed in 17 beta-thalassemic children and 12 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis) were found in 11.8% of beta-thalassemic patients.
- Gallbladder sludge was detected in 29.4% of patients.
- Beta-thalassemic children showed larger fasting and residual gallbladder volumes and a reduced contraction index compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Beta-thalassemic patients exhibit gallbladder enlargement and impaired bile emptying.
- Bile stasis and retained sludge contribute to pigment gallstone formation in beta-thalassemia.
- Gallbladder dysfunction is a significant factor in gallstone pathogenesis in these children.
Purpose:
To determine gallbladder motor function and gallstone prevalence in beta-thalassemic children. Abnormalities in gallbladder function or bile acid metabolism may contribute to gallstone formation in these patients.
Material And Methods:
In 17 beta-thalassemic patients and 12 normal healthy children with similar age, sex and weight, gallbladder size was measured using real-time US, and volume was calculated using the ellipsoid method.
Results:
In the beta-thalassemic patients, cholelithiasis was present in 2 patients (11.8%). Sludge, which can be a predisposing factor for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis when it persists, was detected in 5 patients (29.4%). One of the patients had both cholelithiasis and sludge. Compared with the control group, beta-thalassemic children had larger fasting volume, residual volume, and smaller contraction index.
Conclusion:
Beta-thalassemic patients have enlarged gallbladders that retain an increased residual volume of bile. Gallbladder enlargement, bile stasis, and impaired emptying of sludge may be important events in the pathogenesis of pigment gallstones in beta-thalassemic patients.