Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on formation of gallbladder stones

Evidence suggests prostaglandins are involved in the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones and that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be effective in the management of biliary colic. We studied the prevalence of gallstones in patients chronically treated with NSAIDs. The cohort consisted of all adult patients undergoing ultrasonographic examination of right upper quadrant. One hundred forty subjects filled out a detailed questionnaire about medication history. Twenty-two percent of subjects taking NSAIDs chronically had gallstones compared to 33% in those patients not taking NSAIDs (p > 0.05). We conclude that routine chronic NSAID use does not have significant impact on the prevalence of gallstones.