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[Etiology of cholelithiasis]
Y Shibamoto1, K Shibata, E Tsukie
1Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Gallstone prevalence is rising in Japan, with cholesterol and black stones increasing significantly. Dietary changes and improved hygiene likely contribute, but the cause of black stone increase remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Epidemiology
- Pathology
Context:
- Gallstone (biliary stone) incidence has risen in Japan over recent decades.
- Approximately 15% of autopsy cases reveal biliary stones.
- Significant shifts in gallstone composition observed over the past 25 years.
Purpose:
- To analyze the changing nature of gallstones in Japan.
- To identify potential contributing factors to observed trends in gallstone composition.
Summary:
- Cholesterol gallstone incidence increased from 46.7% to 66.9%.
- Black stone incidence rose from 0.8% to 12.1%.
- Calcium bilirubinate stone incidence decreased from 41.5% to 21.0%.
Impact:
- Increased fat intake and decreased ascariasis due to improved hygiene are probable factors.
- The specific etiology behind the rise in black stones requires further investigation.
- Findings highlight evolving gallstone epidemiology in Japan, potentially linked to lifestyle and environmental changes.