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Gallstones in Ghanaian children with sickle cell disease

R Darko1, O P Rodrigues, J O Oliver-Commey

  • 1Department of Surgery, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

West African Journal of Medicine
|February 18, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Gallstones are prevalent in Ghanaian children with sickle cell disease (SCD), appearing as early as age six. The study highlights a higher prevalence in males with SCD, underscoring the need for early detection and management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hematology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder associated with various complications.
  • Gallstone formation is a known complication in SCD patients, but prevalence in African children is not well-defined.
  • Ultrasonography is a reliable tool for diagnosing gallstones.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and age of onset of gallstones in Ghanaian children with sickle cell disease (SCD) in steady state.
  • To utilize ultrasonography as the primary diagnostic method.
  • To investigate potential associations between gallstone prevalence and SCD genotype or splenic status.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at a Paediatric SCD clinic in Accra, Ghana.
  • 315 children (aged 2-13 years) with confirmed SCD (HbSS, HbSC, or SbetaThal genotypes) were consecutively recruited.
  • Ultrasonography was used to detect gallstones in the gallbladder or common bile duct.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of gallstones was 4% (13 out of 315 children).
  • The youngest child with gallstones was 6 years old, with peak prevalence at 12 years.
  • A significant male predominance was observed (12 males vs. 1 female), and patients with no detectable spleen did not have gallstones.

Conclusions:

  • Gallstones are found at an early age in Ghanaian children with sickle cell disease.
  • The high male-to-female ratio of gallstone prevalence in this SCD cohort warrants further investigation.
  • Spleen status may play a role in gallstone formation in children with SCD.
Abstract

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