Cholelithiasis in sickle cell disease in India

Eighty cases (63 Males and 17 Females) of sickle cell disease were searched for gall stone by ultrasonography, 8 (10%) cases had gall stone. Gall stones were more common in males (11.1%) than females (5.8%). It was not found below 13 years of age. Three cases had single and five cases had multiple gall stones. Three of them had thickened gall bladder wall. Typical biliary colic was uncommon (1 case). There was no case of obstructive jaundice. HbF% level was significantly lower in cases with gall stone (12.31 +/- 3.95) than without gall stones (16.73 +/- 6.30). Episodes of aggravated anaemia and total serum bilirubin was significantly higher (1.27/pt and 4.12 +/- 1.34 mg%) in cases with gall stone than without gall stone (0.31/pt and 2.74 +/- 1.47 mg%). The above findings suggest association of greater degree of haemolysis with formation of gall stone in sickle cell disease cases.