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Cholelithiasis in sickle cell disease in India
D Tripathy1, B P Dash, B N Mohapatra
1Department of Medicine, VSS Medical College, Burla, Orissa, 768017.
The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Gallstones are common in sickle cell disease patients, particularly males over 13. Lower HbF% and higher hemolysis correlate with gallstone formation in sickle cell disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Hematology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder associated with various complications.
- Gallstone formation is a known complication of SCD, but its prevalence and associated factors require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of gallstones in patients with sickle cell disease.
- To investigate the relationship between gallstone formation and clinical/laboratory parameters in SCD.
Main Methods:
- Eighty patients with sickle cell disease underwent ultrasonography to screen for gallstones.
- Clinical data, including age, sex, HbF% levels, episodes of aggravated anemia, and total serum bilirubin, were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Gallstones were detected in 10% of SCD patients (8 out of 80), with a higher prevalence in males (11.1%) than females (5.8%).
- Gallstones were not observed in individuals under 13 years of age.
- Patients with gallstones exhibited significantly lower HbF% levels (12.31% vs. 16.73%) and higher levels of aggravated anemia episodes and total serum bilirubin compared to those without gallstones.
Conclusions:
- Gallstone formation is significantly associated with increased hemolysis in sickle cell disease.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring for gallstones in SCD patients, especially males, and suggest a link between hemolytic burden and gallstone development.