"Changing trends (clinico-biochemical) in gall-bladder stone disease"--an observation

Present study has been undertaken to know the causative factors responsible for change in trend of gall-stone disease from middle aged, fertile, fat females to young asthenic females in twenties. Our findings reveal high incidence of gall stone formation in non-obese young females. Average fat consumption in non-obese patients was less (17%) than that of obese (26%). However, use of oral contraceptives was high in non-obese females and maximum users were in young age group while in obese in middle age group. Bilirubin content in gall bladder stones of non-obese was significantly more than that of obese (p < 0.01) whereas cholesterol content in gall bladder stones of obese was significantly high when compared to non-obese subjects. Analysis of bile showed significant increase in bilirubin and calcium level of non-obese when compared to control and obese subjects whereas phosphorus levels were significantly decreased in the bile of non obese subjects. These findings suggest that in non-obese females less intake of fat, early use of oral contraceptives, higher contents of bilirubin and calcium and low content of phosphorus in bile may be responsible for gall stone formation.