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Gallbladder motility in children with Down syndrome
Haydar Ali Taşdemir1, Melih Cevdet Cetinkaya, Cafer Polat
1Ondokuz Mayis University, Department of Paediatrics, Kurupelit, Turkey. htasdemir@omu.edu.tr
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|July 23, 2004
Summary
Children with Down syndrome exhibit significantly lower gallbladder contraction, indicating potential hypomotility. This finding may explain the increased incidence of gallstones in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Down syndrome is associated with a higher prevalence of gallstones.
- Gallbladder motility plays a crucial role in bile acid metabolism and gallstone formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess gallbladder volume and contraction index in children with Down syndrome.
- To investigate potential links between gallbladder hypomotility and metabolic markers in Down syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Ultrasound measurements of gallbladder volume before and after a test meal.
- Calculation of the gallbladder contraction index (CI).
- Analysis of blood triglyceride, cholesterol, and urine 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels.
Main Results:
- Children with Down syndrome had significantly smaller gallbladder volumes and lower mean contraction indices (41.2%) compared to healthy controls (75.0%).
- Elevated triglyceride levels and lower urine 5-HIAA levels were observed in the Down syndrome group.
- A statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was found in gallbladder contraction between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Patients with Down syndrome demonstrate gallbladder hypomotility, evidenced by a reduced contraction index.
- Gallbladder hypomotility may be a contributing factor to the increased risk of gallstones in individuals with Down syndrome.
- Further research is warranted to explore the metabolic underpinnings of gallbladder dysfunction in Down syndrome.