Shifting prevalence of gallbladder polyps in Korea

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Gallbladder polyps (GBP) prevalence data is limited.
• Understanding temporal changes in GBP prevalence and risk factors is crucial for public health.
• This study addresses the need for population-adjusted prevalence data in Korea.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in gallbladder polyp prevalence from 2002 to 2012.
• To identify evolving risk factors associated with gallbladder polyps.
• To provide population-adjusted prevalence data for gallbladder polyps in Korea.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of health screening data from 48,591 adults (2002-2012).
• Random selection of 14,250 age- and gender-matched subjects for prevalence evaluation.
• Comparative analysis of risk factors between GBP-positive and GBP-negative groups across two periods (2002-2004 and 2010-2012).

Main Results:

• Overall annual gallbladder polyp prevalence was 5.4% over 11 years.
• Prevalence increased significantly from 3.8% (2002-2004) to 7.1% (2010-2012).
• Male gender and obesity were consistent risk factors; Hepatitis B virus surface antigen positivity was a risk factor in the earlier period, replaced by lipid profile abnormalities in the later period.

Conclusions:

• Gallbladder polyp prevalence is increasing in Korea.
• The primary risk factors for gallbladder polyps have shifted over the study period.
• Increased attention to gallbladder polyps and their changing risk factors is warranted.