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Effects of pregnancy and contraceptive steroids on gallbladder function
The New England Journal of Medicine
|February 14, 1980
Summary
Pregnancy significantly alters gallbladder kinetics, increasing fasting and residual volumes, and reducing emptying rates, which may explain the higher risk of gallstones. Contraceptive steroids did not affect gallbladder function.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Gallstones are a common complication during pregnancy.
- The physiological changes during pregnancy may affect gallbladder function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of pregnancy and contraceptive steroids on gallbladder kinetics.
- To determine if altered gallbladder function contributes to gallstone formation in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Real-time ultrasonography was used to assess gallbladder volume and emptying.
- Measurements were taken in nonpregnant women, women using steroid contraceptives, and pregnant women.
Main Results:
- In late pregnancy, gallbladder fasting and residual volumes doubled, while emptying rate and percentage emptied decreased significantly.
- Early pregnancy showed a 30% decrease in gallbladder emptying rate.
- Contraceptive steroids did not impact gallbladder kinetics.
Conclusions:
- Altered gallbladder kinetics, particularly incomplete emptying in late pregnancy, may promote cholesterol crystal retention and gallstone formation.
- Pregnancy is a significant risk factor for cholesterol gallstone development.
- Contraceptive steroids do not appear to cause gallstones through abnormal gallbladder kinetics.