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Spinal cord injury and cholelithiasis.
Chang-Suo Xia1, Ying-Qiu Han, Xuan-Ying Yang
1Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China. xcs_009@sina.com
Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases International : HBPD INT
|November 30, 2004
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly increases the risk of gallstones, particularly in patients with high-level injuries. This condition is not linked to patient age, weight, or injury duration.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with a higher incidence of gallstones and acute acalculous cholecystitis.
- Understanding the prevalence of cholelithiasis in SCI patients is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cholelithiasis (gallstones) in male patients with SCI.
- To investigate the correlation between cholelithiasis and factors such as age, weight, injury level, severity, and duration in SCI patients.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 100 male SCI patients (aged >20 years, injury duration >1 year) and 100 age-matched male controls without biliary disease.
- Both groups underwent ultrasonography of the gallbladder and biliary tract for diagnosis.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of cholelithiasis was 26% in SCI patients compared to 10% in controls.
- A statistically significant difference in cholelithiasis prevalence was observed between SCI patients and controls, and between high-level and low-level injuries (P<0.01).
- No significant correlation was found between cholelithiasis and patient age, weight, injury severity, or duration of SCI (P>0.05).
Conclusions:
- Spinal cord injury is a significant risk factor for developing gallstones, especially in cases of high-level injury.
- The presence of gallstones in SCI patients is independent of their age, weight, injury severity, and the duration of the spinal cord injury.