[Biliary calculi in infancy and childhood]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cholelithiasis (gallstones) in children is increasingly recognized.
• Predisposing conditions significantly influence gallstone formation in pediatric patients.
• Infantile gallstones often differ in etiology and natural history compared to older children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of cholelithiasis in a cohort of 48 children.
• To differentiate between gallstones associated with predisposing diseases and those without.
• To evaluate the efficacy of Ursodeoxycholicacid and the role of ultrasound in pediatric gallstone management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 48 pediatric patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis.
• Classification into two groups: Group I (with predisposing diseases) and Group II (without identified predisposing diseases).
• Utilized ultrasound for diagnosis and follow-up; assessed treatment outcomes including Ursodeoxycholicacid therapy and surgical intervention.

Main Results:

• Gallstones in infants frequently developed secondary to underlying conditions and showed spontaneous dissolution.
• Vague abdominal pain was the predominant symptom in children without predisposing diseases (Group II).
• Ursodeoxycholicacid facilitated gallstone dissolution in two patients in Group II; surgical intervention rates differed between groups.

Conclusions:

• Cholelithiasis in children presents differently based on the presence of predisposing diseases.
• Ultrasound is a crucial diagnostic and monitoring tool for pediatric gallstones.
• While complications are infrequent, timely diagnosis and appropriate management, including medical dissolution, are important.