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Published on: April 30, 2019
Gall bladder contractility in children with beta-thalassaemia.
1Department of Paediatrics, Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. drmonaramad2001@yahoo.com
Summary
Children with beta-thalassaemia show impaired gall bladder motility, with higher rates of gallstones. This suggests a link between beta-thalassaemia and gall bladder dysfunction, potentially influenced by disease duration and iron levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hematology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Beta-thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder prevalent in Egypt.
- Gall bladder disease is a known complication in some chronic illnesses.
- Asymptomatic patients require investigation for subclinical dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess gall bladder contractility in children with beta-thalassaemia.
- To compare gall bladder function between beta-thalassaemia patients and healthy controls.
- To identify factors associated with impaired gall bladder motility.
Main Methods:
- Real-time ultrasonography was used to evaluate gall bladder function.
- Measurements included fasting volume, residual volume, emptying time, and contraction index.
- Study included 61 children with beta-thalassaemia and 51 age- and sex-matched controls.
Main Results:
- 18.0% of beta-thalassaemia patients had gallstones; 6.6% had sludge.
- Significant differences observed in gall bladder fasting volume, residual volume, emptying time, and contraction index compared to controls.
- Impaired gall bladder motility was evident in beta-thalassaemia patients.
Conclusions:
- Beta-thalassaemia is associated with impaired gall bladder motility.
- Disease duration, serum ferritin, and total serum bilirubin levels may contribute to gall bladder dysfunction.
- These findings highlight the need for monitoring gall bladder health in children with beta-thalassaemia.
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