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Cholelithiasis in children with sickle cell disease

A H Al-Salem1, S Qaisaruddin, I Al-Dabbous

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Qatif Central Hospital, Qatif, Saudi Arabia.

Pediatric Surgery International
|September 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study found that gallstones affect nearly 20% of Saudi children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Higher prevalence was linked to older age and elevated bilirubin, highlighting a significant complication in pediatric SCD patients.

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.

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