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[Cholelithiasis and homozygote drepanocytosis in children in Dakar (Senegal)]

I Diagne1, M Badiane, C Moreira

  • 1Chaire de pédiatrie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital d'enfants Albert-Royer, Sénégal.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|January 11, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Cholelithiasis (gallstones) affects 9.4% of Senegalese children with sickle-cell anemia (SCA). Prevalence increases with age, linked to chronic hemolysis and higher red cell volume, necessitating regular ultrasounds for early detection.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Sickle-cell anemia (SCA) is associated with chronic hemolysis, increasing cholelithiasis (gallstone) risk.
  • Gallstones in SCA patients are often asymptomatic but can lead to complications like acute cholecystitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of cholelithiasis in Senegalese children and adolescents with SCA.
  • To identify factors associated with cholelithiasis in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical, biological, and ultrasonographic data from 106 SCA patients (11 months to 22 years).
  • Systematic examinations included abdominal ultrasound to detect gallstones.

Main Results:

  • Cholelithiasis was found in 9.4% of SCA patients.
  • Prevalence increased with age; no association with gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
  • Patients with gallstones had higher mean red cell volume and more frequent transfusions and pain crises.

Conclusions:

  • Cholelithiasis prevalence is relatively low in Senegalese SCA patients, possibly due to the Senegal haplotype.
  • Advanced age and severe chronic hemolysis are key risk factors.
  • Recommend annual abdominal ultrasounds for SCA patients over 5 years old and those with right upper quadrant pain.
Abstract

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