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Etiology and incidence of pediatric gallbladder disease

Sarah K Walker1, Alexandra C Maki, Robert M Cannon

  • 1From the Hiram C. Polk, Jr., M.D. Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.

Surgery
|October 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric gallbladder disease, particularly biliary dyskinesia and non-hemolytic gallstones, increased significantly over a nine-year period. Higher body mass index (BMI) was linked to these conditions in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatobiliary Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • The landscape of pediatric biliary tract conditions is evolving.
  • Gallbladder disease in children requires updated understanding of its causes and associated factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the etiologies and comorbidities of pediatric gallbladder disease.
  • To analyze trends in pediatric cholecystectomy indications over a nine-year period.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients undergoing cholecystectomy.
  • Analysis of indications for surgery, including gallstones and biliary dyskinesia.
  • Comparison of body mass index (BMI) across different etiological groups.

Main Results:

  • Gallstones (63%) and biliary dyskinesia (33%) were the primary indications for cholecystectomy in 453 pediatric patients.
  • Significant increases observed in cholecystectomies for biliary dyskinesia (63%) and non-hemolytic gallstones (216%).
  • Higher average BMI was significantly associated with non-hemolytic gallstones and biliary dyskinesia compared to hemolytic gallstones.

Conclusions:

  • Symptomatic pediatric gallbladder disease has risen, driven by biliary dyskinesia and non-hemolytic gallstones.
  • Increased BMI is a critical factor associated with the rising incidence of these conditions in children.
  • These findings highlight a shift in the spectrum of pediatric gallbladder disease.
Abstract

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