Cholelithiasis in children with sickle cell disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Hematology
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder with various complications.
• Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is a known complication of SCD, but its prevalence in specific pediatric populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of cholelithiasis in Saudi children diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
• To explore potential correlations between gallstone formation and patient demographics or clinical markers.

Main Methods:

• Abdominal ultrasonography was utilized to screen 305 children (ages 1-18) with SCD (285 SS, 20 S-beta-thalassemia).
• Data on patient age, serum bilirubin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte count, hemoglobin S, and hemoglobin F were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• A prevalence of 19.7% for gallstones was identified in the studied pediatric SCD cohort.
• Biliary sludge was observed in an additional 16.4% of patients.
• Gallstone presence correlated positively with increasing age and higher serum bilirubin levels.

Conclusions:

• Gallstones represent a significant complication in Saudi children with sickle cell disease, with nearly one-fifth affected.
• Age and elevated bilirubin are associated with gallstone formation in this population.
• Routine screening for cholelithiasis may be warranted in pediatric SCD patients, particularly older children with hyperbilirubinemia.