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Published on: February 10, 2023
[HBV as one of the causes for development of cholelithiasis]
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) significantly impacts the gallbladder, increasing gallstone risk. Early, sustained preventive measures, like dietary fiber, are crucial for managing HBV-related gallbladder changes and preventing cholelithiasis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
Context:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
- Gallbladder complications, including cholelithiasis, can arise secondary to HBV infection.
- Understanding HBV's direct impact on gallbladder pathophysiology is essential for effective management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the influence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) on gallbladder function.
- To determine the necessity and optimal timing for preventive measures against HBV-associated gallbladder disease.
- To assess the efficacy of specific preventive strategies in mitigating gallstone formation.
Summary:
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in gallbladder tissue of 17.2% of patients post-cholecystectomy.
- Ultrasound revealed morpho-functional gallbladder and bile changes during and after acute Hepatitis B.
- Prospective study showed no gallstone development with dietary fiber intervention ('Margi'), versus 7.46% incidence in the non-intervention group.
Impact:
- HBV exerts a cholecystopathogenic effect, leading to gallbladder morpho-functional alterations.
- HBV-induced gallbladder changes are a significant risk factor for developing gallstones (cholelithiasis).
- Highlights the critical need for early and prolonged preventive interventions in patients with Hepatitis B.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to identify the influence of HBV on gall bladder and to establish necessity and terms of preventive measures. For this reason we have examined 58 patients, passed through cholecystectomy and 142 patients with B hepatitis. Patients of this group were followed up during 18 months. In the first group presence HBsAg in the gall bladder tissue was identified using immunoferment analysis and immunofluorescent testing. In all cases the blood was tested for specific markers (HBsAg, Anti-HB-cor antibodies of G and M classes). In the second group 75 patients were investigated prospectively. Observation using ultrasound was performed to find out the changes of gall bladder and bile. In this group preventive measures against gallstone formation were performed. 67 patients were investigated retrospectively and prevention was not performed among them. In 10 cases of cholecystectomy (17,2%) out of 58, HBsAg in the gall bladder tissue was identified both, with immunoferment analysis and immunofluorescent testing. The ultrasound examination revealed morpho-functional changes of gall bladder and bile in the acute stage of hepatitis B and also in following period. There were no cases of development of gallstones in the group where preventive measures using dietary fiber-rich food "Margi" were conducted, in the second group, where such measures have not been performed, gallstones developed in 5 patients (7,46%) out of 67, during 6-18 months after the acute B hepatitis. This results allow us to conclude, that cholecystopathogenic influence of HBV leads to the morpho-functional changes of gall bladder. This fact must be assessed as a risk factor for development of cholelithiasis and confirms necessity of early longlasting preventive measures.
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