Prevalence and associated factors for gallstone disease: results of a population survey in Spain

The Symptomatic Outcomes of Cholecystectomy for Gallstones

Cholecystectomy is the definite treatment for symptomatic gallstones, and rates are rapidly rising. Symptomatic complicated gallstones are generally treated with cholecystectomy, but there is no consensus on the clinical selection of patients with symptomatic uncomplicated gallstones for cholecystectomy. The aim of this review is to describe symptomatic outcomes before versus after cholecystectomy in patients with symptomatic gallstones as reported in prospective clinical studies and to discuss patient selection for cholecystectomy. Following cholecystectomy, resolution of biliary pain is high and reported for 66-100%. Dyspepsia has an intermediate resolution of 41-91% and may co-exist with biliary pain but may also develop following cholecystectomy with an increase of 150%. Diarrhea has a high increase and debuts in 14-17%. Persisting symptoms are mainly determined by preoperative dyspepsia, functional disorders, atypical pain locations, longer duration of symptoms, and poor psychological or physical health. Patient satisfaction following cholecystectomy is high and may reflect symptom alleviation or a change in symptoms. Comparison of symptomatic outcomes in available prospective clinical studies is limited by variations in preoperative symptoms, clinical presentations, and clinical management of post-cholecystectomy symptoms. When selecting patients with biliary pain only in a randomized controlled trial, 30-40% still have persisting pain. Strategies for the selection of patients with symptomatic uncomplicated gallstones based on symptoms alone are exhausted. For the development of a selection strategy, future studies should explore the impact of objective determinants for symptomatic gallstones on pain relief following cholecystectomy.

Biomarkers and Disease Trajectories Influencing Women's Health: Results from the UK Biobank Cohort

Women's health is important for society. Despite the known biological and sex-related factors influencing the risk of diseases among women, the network of the full spectrum of diseases in women is underexplored. This study aimed to systematically examine the women-specific temporal pattern (trajectory) of the disease network, including the role of baseline physical examination indexes, and blood and urine biomarkers. In the UK Biobank study, 502,650 participants entered the cohort from 2006 to 2010, and were followed up until 2019 to identify disease incidence via linkage to the patient registers. For those diseases with increased risk among women, conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs), and the binomial test of direction was further used to build disease trajectories. Among 301 diseases, 82 diseases in women had ORs > 1.2 and p < 0.00017 when compared to men, involving mainly diseases in the endocrine, skeletal and digestive systems. Diseases with the highest ORs included breast diseases, osteoporosis, hyperthyroidism, and deformity of the toes. The biomarker and disease trajectories suggested estradiol as a risk predictor for breast cancer, while a high percentage of reticulocyte, body mass index and waist circumference were associated with an increased risk of upper-limb neuropathy. In addition, the risk of cholelithiasis was increased in women diagnosed with dyspepsia and diaphragmatic hernia. In conclusion, women are at an increased risk of endocrine, skeletal and digestive diseases. The biomarker and disease trajectories in women suggested key pathways to a range of adverse outcomes downstream, which may shed light on promising targets for early detection and prevention of these diseases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43657-022-00054-1.

Prevalence and risk factors for gallstone disease: A population-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prevalence of and risk factors for gallstone disease in Shanghai, China.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai between 2016 and 2017. Using a three-stage stratified sampling strategy, 4009 participants (1753 men and 2256 women) from 10 districts were enrolled.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of gallstones was 6.83% (6.22% for men vs 7.31% for women, P = 0.173). According to the multivariate analysis, individuals aged ≥40 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.058, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.110-4.433, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR 1.479, 95% CI 1.076-2.034, P = 0.016), thyroid disease (OR 1.409, 95% CI 1.029-1.928, P = 0.032), a family history of gallstones (OR 2.234, 95% CI 1.362-3.662, P = 0.001) and a waist-to-height ratio ≥0.5 (OR 1.656, 95% CI 1.197-2.292, P = 0.002) had an increased risk of developing gallstones. The risk of gallstone disease was 2.232 (95% CI 1.167-4.268, P = 0.015) times higher in individuals with elevated C4 levels than in those with normal C4 levels. Diabetes (OR 4.144, 95% CI 1.171-14.671, P = 0.028) was a risk factor for the formation of gallstones with diameters ≥1 cm, and men were more susceptible to develop multiple stones (OR 2.356, 95% CI 1.321-4.200, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Individuals aged ≥40 years, with a history of hypertension and familial gallstones, a high waist-to-height ratio, thyroid disease and high C4 levels were related to an increased risk of gallstone disease.

High prevalence of gallstone disease in rheumatoid arthritis: A new comorbidity related to dyslipidemia?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of gallstone disease and identify associated risk factors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to the general population.

METHODS

Eighty-four women with rheumatoid arthritis were included in the study. Each patient was assessed via a structured interview, physical examination, abdominal ultrasound and blood test including lipid profile. The prevalence of gallstone disease in rheumatoid arthritis was compared with data from a study of the Spanish population matched by age groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight of the 84 women had gallstone disease (33.3%). RA women with and without gallstone disease were similar in most of the variables assessed, except for older age and menopausal status in the former. A greater prevalence of gallstone disease was seen in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to the general population of the same age; however, the differences were significant only in women aged 60 or older (45.5% versus 23.1% respectively, P-value .008). The age-adjusted OR of developing gallstone disease in RA women compared with general population women was 2,3 (95% CI: 1.3-4.1). A significantly higher HDL3-c subfraction and higher apoA-I/HDL and HDL3-c/TC ratios were observed in patients with gallstone disease.

CONCLUSION

Women with rheumatoid arthritis may have a predisposition to gallstones that can manifest in middle or older age compared with women in the general population. This situation could be related to chronic inflammation and HDL metabolism.

Alcohol consumption and risk of gallstone disease: a meta-analysis

Epidemiology studies have been carried out to investigate the association between alcohol consumption and the risk of gallstone disease, but the results remain controversial. We carried out a meta-analysis to quantitatively summarize the evidences from observational studies on alcohol consumption and the risk of gallstone disease. Eligible studies published in English were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The random-effect model was used to calculate the pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic splines were used to assess the dose-response relationship. Eight cohort studies and 10 case-control studies were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled RR of gallstone disease for the highest versus the lowest alcohol consumption was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.49-0.78). Statistically significant associations were also found in stratified analysis by study design (cohort studies: RR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.48-0.91 and case-control studies: RR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.45-0.73). With respect to sex, both men (RR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.4-0.8) and women (RR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.53-0.77) showed statistically significant associations between alcohol consumption and the risk of gallstone disease. A linear dose-response relationship was found between alcohol consumption and gallstone disease risk and the risk of gallstone disease decreased by 12% (RR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.84-0.92; Pnonlinearity=0.079) for each 10 g/day increment in alcohol consumption. This meta-analysis suggests that alcohol consumption is associated with significantly decreased risk of gallstone disease.

Prevalence of gallstones in 1,229 patients submitted to surgical laparoscopic treatment of GERD and esophageal achalasia: associated cholecystectomy was a safe procedure

Background

Association between esophageal achalasia/ gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cholelithiasis is not clear. Epidemiological data are controversial due to different methodologies applied, the regional differences and the number of patients involved. Results of concomitant cholecistectomy associated to surgical treatment of both diseases regarding safety is poorly understood.

Aim

To analyze the prevalence of cholelithiasis in patients with esophageal achalasia and gastroesophageal reflux submitted to cardiomyotomy or fundoplication. Also, to evaluate the safety of concomitant cholecistectomy.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 1410 patients operated from 2000 to 2013. They were divided into two groups: patients with GERD submitted to laparocopic hiatoplasty plus Nissen fundoplication and patients with esophageal achalasia to laparoscopic cardiomyotomy plus partial fundoplication. It was collected epidemiological data, specific diagnosis and subgroups, the presence or absence of gallstones, surgical procedure, operative and clinical complications and mortality. All groups/subgroups were compared.

Results

From 1,229 patients with GERD or esophageal achalasia, submitted to laparoscopic cardiomyotomy or fundoplication, 138 (11.43%) had cholelitiasis, occurring more in females (2.38:1) with mean age of 50,27 years old. In 604 patients with GERD, 79 (13,08%) had cholelitiasis. Lower prevalence occurred in Barrett's esophagus patients 7/105 (6.67%) (p=0.037). In 625 with esophageal achalasia, 59 (9.44%) had cholelitiasis, with no difference between chagasic and idiopathic forms (p=0.677). Complications of patients with or without cholecystectomy were similar in fundoplication and cardiomyotomy (p=0.78 and p=1.00).There was no mortality or complications related to cholecystectomy in this series.

Conclusions

Prevalence of cholelithiasis was higher in patients submitted to fundoplication (GERD). Patients with chagasic or idiopatic forms of achalasia had the same prevalence of cholelithiasis. Gallstones occurred more in GERD patients without Barrett's esophagus. Simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy was proved safe.

Cholelithiasis presented as chronic right back pain

Chronic right back pain is a symptom in both biliary lithiasis and chronic cholecystitis. Ten percent of the population in the world suffers from biliary lithiasis. Only 20% are symptomatic. The first diagnostic test of choice is an abdominal ultrasound. When a suggestive clinical sign of biliary colic with negative abdominal ultrasound is identified, we should consider the option of carrying out an endoscopic ultrasound in order to rule out microlithiasis. The case discussed in the report presented with chronic right back pain, which is an atypical manifestation of biliary lithiasis and chronic cholecystitis. It is important to know about the atypical manifestations of the prevalent illnesses as well as the limits of the diagnostic tests, in order to avoid diagnostic delays which may cause complications that could worsen a patient's prognosis. This case should contribute to the medical knowledge and must have educational value or highlight the need for a change in clinical practice, especially in primary care.

The prevalence and risk factors for gallstone disease in taiwanese vegetarians

Introduction

Gallstone disease (GSD) and its complications are major public health issues globally. Although many community-based studies had addressed the risk factors for GSD, little is known about GSD prevalence and risk factors among Taiwanese vegetarians.

Methods

This study included 1721 vegetarians who completed a questionnaire detailing their demographics, medical history, and life-styles. GSD was ascertained by ultrasonography or surgical history of cholecystectomy for GSD. The predictive probability of GSD for male and female vegetarians was estimated from the fitted model.

Results

The prevalence of GSD was 8.2% for both male and female vegetarians. The risk of GSD is similar in men and women across all age groups, and increases steadily with increasing age. For male vegetarians, age (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00–1.08) and serum total bilirubin level (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.31–4.22) predict risk for GSD. For female vegetarians, age (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05), BMI (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01–1.13), and alcohol consumption (OR: 7.85; 95% CI: 1.83–33.73) are associated with GSD. GSD is not associated with type of vegetarian diet, duration of vegetarianism, low education level, physical inactivity, diabetes, coronary artery disease, cerebral vascular accident, chronic renal failure, hepatitis C virus infection, and lipid abnormalities. GSD is also not associated with age at menarche, postmenopausal status, and multiparity in female vegetarians.

Conclusions

Risk factors useful for predicting GSD in vegetarians are (1) age and total bilirubin level in men, and (2) age, BMI, and alcohol consumption in women. Many previously identified risk factors for general population does not seem to apply to Taiwanese vegetarians.

Black bile of melancholy or gallstones of biliary colics: historical perspectives on cholelithiasis

Barely 130 years after its first description, cholecystectomies are among the most commonly performed surgeries in the USA. The success of this operation with subsequent technical improvements, such as laparoscopic approaches, caused a paradigm shift in the management of gallstone disease. However, symptoms persist in 10-40 % of successfully operated patients. Reviewing monographs, textbooks, and articles published during the last 300 years, several important factors emerge as likely contributors to limited or poor treatment responses. Early on, clinicians recognized that cholelithiasis is quite common and thus often an incidental finding, especially if patients present with vague or atypical symptoms. Consistent with these observations, patients with such atypical symptoms are less likely to benefit from cholecystectomy. Similarly, lasting improvements are more reliably seen in patients with symptoms of presumed biliary origin and documented gallstones compared to individuals without stones, an important point in view of increasing rates of surgery for biliary dyskinesia. While cholelithiasis can cause serious complications, the overall incidence of clinically relevant problems is so low that prophylactic cholecystectomy cannot be justified. This conclusion corresponds to epidemiologic data showing that the rise in elective cholecystectomies decreased hospitalizations due to gallstone disease, but was associated with a higher volume of postoperative complications, ultimately resulting in stable combined mortality due to gallstone disease and its treatment. These trends highlight the tremendous gains in managing gallstone disease, while at the same time reminding us that the tightening rather than expanding indications for cholecystectomy may improve outcomes.

Long-term use of fenofibrate is associated with increased prevalence of gallstone disease among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

In spite of insufficient evidence to guide the use of lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs) among the dialysis population, these drugs are frequently used to treat dyslipidemia. Several studies have found that long-term use of LLDs is associated with an increased risk of gallstone disease (GSD) in the general population. However, the lithogenic risk of LLDs in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) has not been studied.

AIM

It is to assess the influence of long-term use of LLDs on the prevalence of GSD among patients undergoing HD.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 108 eligible patients receiving maintenance HD: 35 receiving lovastatin; 34 fenofibrate; and 39 no LLD. GSD was defined as the presence of gallstones or the performance of cholecystectomy while taking LLD. Abdominal ultrasonography, demographic parameters, and laboratory data were obtained for all enrolled subjects. ANOVA with Bonferroni's test and chi-square test were used to compare differences among the three groups.

RESULTS

The three groups had similar clinical characteristics with regard to age, gender, duration of HD, body mass index, and total cholesterol values. However, a significantly higher prevalence of GSD and higher triglyceride levels were found in patients receiving fenofibrate, compared with those in other groups (p < 0.05). Among dialysis patients on fenofibrate, increased age, female gender, larger daily dose, and longer duration of treatment were associated with increased risks for GSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that long-term use of fenofibrate is related to increased risk of GSD among HD patients. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm our findings.

High incidence of cholesterol gallstone disease in type 1 Gaucher disease: characterizing the biliary phenotype of type 1 Gaucher disease

BACKGROUND

In Gaucher disease (GD), lysosomal glucocerebrosidase deficiency results in glucosylceramide accumulation in macrophage lysosomes. Hepatocytes do not accumulate glucosylceramide due in part to biliary secretion. Although gallstones (GS) occur in type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1), the chemical nature of stones, their association with metabolic parameters, and whether bile composition is altered are not understood. We assessed the prevalence of GS, their chemical composition, biliary lipids, and associated metabolic factors.

METHODS

The study cohort comprised 417 patients comprehensively evaluated for GD1 severity. Ascertainment of GS, fasting lipoprotein profile, and bile lipid analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GS in GD1 was 32%. Compared with men, the prevalence of GS was higher in women, increasing from 4.2% and 11.8% at age 20-29 years to 71% and 60% at age >70 years, respectively. Patients with GS were more likely to be asplenic (p < 0.0001), older (p < 0.0001), have higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p = 0.002), and more severe GD1 disease compared with those without GS. On multiple logistic regression analysis, factors associated with GS were age (p < 0.001), female sex (p = 0.03), and splenectomy (p = 0.005). Compared with the general population, prevalence of GS was approximately 5-fold higher. Bile lipid analyses revealed cholesterol stones in five patients and pigment stones in one. Bile lipid composition was abnormal and contained glucosylceramide.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results point to a metabolic syndrome in GD1 consisting of a propensity to cholesterol GS, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI) associated with abnormal biliary lipid secretion.

Trait anxiety predicts unsuccessful surgery in gallstone disease

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictors of negative symptomatic outcomes at 6 months after cholecystectomy, surgical removal of the gallbladder, which is the preferred treatment for gallstone disease. After cholecystectomy, a substantial number of patients report persistence of symptoms.

METHODS

In this prospective follow-up study, consecutive patients (n = 172) diagnosed with symptomatic gallstone disease and indicated for elective cholecystectomy were investigated. Preoperatively and at 6 months, patients completed self-report symptom checklists. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scale was completed preoperatively and patients with a score of > or = P 80 were considered having High Trait Anxiety (HTA). Multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate independent predictors of persisting symptoms.

RESULTS

Six months after cholecystectomy, patients with HTA were more likely to report persisting biliary symptoms than patients without HTA (NHTA) (45.5% versus 14.3%; chi(2) = 8.78, p = .002). HTA was identified as an independent predictor of persisting biliary symptoms at 6 months (odds ratio [OR], 3.08, p = .047; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-9.34), in addition to the report of nonspecific symptoms (OR, 6.16, p = .024; 95% CI, 1.27-29.82), and the use of psychotropic medication (OR, 4.76, p = .023; 95% CI, 1.24-18.34).

CONCLUSION

Patients with HTA have a three times higher risk at persisting biliary symptoms at 6 months after cholecystectomy than NHTA patients. Both clinical factors and the patient's personality should be considered in clinical decision making and risk estimation in elective cholecystectomy.

The prevalence and risk factors for gallstone disease

Gallstone disease is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of gallstone disease have been rapidly increasing. The etiology and pathogenesis of gallstone disease remains incompletely understood. Gallstone formation may result from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. This article reviews the prevalence and risk factors associated with gallstone disease. Understanding the pathogenesis of gallstone disease could lead to the development of better therapeutic and preventive strategies for dealing with this disease.

Known risk factors do not explain disparities in gallstone prevalence between Denmark and northeast Germany

OBJECTIVES

Gallstones are a common disease worldwide, with disparities in the prevalence of the disease in different settings. The aim of the present study was to assess if different distributions of risk factors could explain the disparities in the prevalence of gallstone disease between Denmark and northeast Germany.

METHODS

Data of 5,559 subjects from the Danish MONICA survey and of 3,647 subjects of the German Study of Health in Pomerania were investigated. Gallstone disease was defined as a prior history of cholecystectomy or the presence of sonographically diagnosed gallstones. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the confounding effect of selected risk factors on regional disparities in gallstone disease.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age and vocational training, German subjects (women: Odds ratio, OR, 2.46 (95% confidence interval, CI: 2.07-2.91); men: OR, 1.89 (95% CI: 1.52-2.36)) had approximatively twice the odds of gallstones than Danes. Inclusion of lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol intake, coffee use) did not affect this result, whereas adjustment for body mass index (BMI), lipids, diabetes, and use of oral contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and parity (women only) changed the estimates considerable, but still Germans (women: OR, 1.65 (95% CI: 1.36-2.00); men: OR, 1.61 (95% CI: 1.27-2.04)) had higher odds than Danes.

CONCLUSIONS

German individuals had a higher prevalence of gallstones than Danes. This difference was partly explained by a higher BMI, unfavorable lipid levels, higher prevalence of diabetes, and a more frequent use of OR and MHT in German subjects. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of unmeasured predictors, including genetic components, on the population-related risk of gallstones.

Gallstone analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)

BACKGROUND

Gallstone analysis is important in determining the possible etiology of stone formation and the pathophysiology of cholelithiasis. Physical analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), compared to chemical analysis, requires minimal sample volume, shows uniform sensitivity and specificity for all components and provides quantitative results with greater reproducibility. We studied the characteristics and distribution of gallstones using FT-IR in addition to the risk factors for gallstone formation in Korean patients. A better understanding of the mechanism underlying stone formation may help prevent gallstone development.

METHODS

Physical analysis of gallstones in 490 patients who underwent cholecystectomy was carried out using the FT-IR system 2000 (Perkin-Elmer Co.) and Spectrum software (Perkin-Elmer Co.). Visual inspection of the size, color, consistency and surface of the stones was compared with the physical characteristics. Clinical, demographic and laboratory findings were evaluated and compared with the gallstone components.

RESULTS

The FT-IR evaluation showed that most gallstones were composed of a single component (84.1%); cholesterol was the most commonly observed element among the major components (50%, 245/490). Morphological classification according to color, consistency and surface was different from the FT-IR composition analysis. There were significant differences in the components based on age, obesity, education level and the presence of diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show that physical analysis of gallstones with FT-IR provides important information on stone composition, distribution and risk factors. These study results will help improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of gallstone disease in the Korean population, where there is a high frequency of hepatobiliary disorders.

Capsule endoscopy: in search of the ideal image

Capsule studies can be reviewed by varying rates and speeds; however, the presence of significant debris is frustrating to the reviewer much like the excessive stool that tends to hinder the progress of a colonoscopist. Numerous studies have been published in regards to the advantages of an ideal preparation in the setting of capsule endoscopy. This most recent study by Wei et al. is another study that has demonstrated that a colonic preparation, in this situation, combined with simethicone given just prior to the capsule study results in improved visibility of the mucosa. In theory, this will lead to an improved diagnostic ability to limit excessive reading duration.

Prevalence and risk factors of gallstone disease in an adult population of Taiwan: an epidemiological survey

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of gallstone disease (GSD) in an adult population of Taiwan through a population-based screening study.

METHODS

A cross-sectional community study in a rural village of Taiwan was conducted in 3333 Chinese adults (aged > or = 18 years) undergoing ultrasonography. A questionnaire on personal history was completed to ascertain whether the removed gallbladder contained stones in all cholecystectomized subjects, the dietary habits (vegetarian/non-vegetarian diet), the history of GSD in the participant's first-degree relatives, the history of gastrointestinal surgery (vagotomy, gastrectomy for peptic ulcer disease, or ileal resection), parity, and use of oral contraceptives. The demographic characteristics and biochemical parameters were recorded.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of GSD was 5.0% (4.6% in men, 5.4% in women) with no significant sex differences (men/women: odds ratio [OR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-1.01, P = 0.058). Logistic regression analysis showed that increasing age (men: 40-64 years, OR 7.38, 95% CI 2.59-21.01, P < 0.001 and > or = 65 years, OR 14.16, 95% CI 4.84-41.47, P < 0.001; women: 40-64 years, OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.90-8.75, P < 0.001 and > or = 65 years, OR 6.78, 95% CI 2.97-15.46, P < 0.001) and the presence of fatty liver evidenced by ultrasonography (men: OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.32-3.80, P = 0.003; women: OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.33-3.42, P = 0.002) were risk factors for GSD. Additionally, fasting plasma glucose > or = 126 mg/dL (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.16-3.83, P = 0.014), history of GSD in the first-degree relatives (OR 7.47, 95% CI 2.22-25.12, P = 0.001), and use of oral contraceptives (OR 10.71, 95% CI 3.06-37.49, P < 0.001) were risk factors for GSD in women, but fasting plasma glucose > or = 126 mg/dL was only correlated to GSD without controlling for other confounding factors in men. Other demographic characteristics and biochemical parameters, such as high body mass index (> or = 25 kg/m2), increased parity, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, hepatitis C infection and cirrhosis, did not exhibit any correlation to GSD in logistic regression analysis, although they appeared to be related to GSD in women in univariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and fatty liver in both sexes were found to be risk factors for GSD in the study population. The finding of a correlation between fatty liver and GSD is an important addition to the literature concerning the risk factors of GSD. Diabetes mellitus, history of GSD in the first-degree relatives, and use of oral contraceptives were also risk factors for GSD in women.

Gallstone disease: Primary and secondary prevention

Several risk factors for cholesterol gallstone formation in the general population have been identified. There is a strongly increased risk of gallstone disease during prolonged fasting, rapid weight loss, total parenteral nutrition, and somatostatin(-analogue) treatment. The annual risk of biliary colic and gallstone complications in asymptomatic gallstone carriers has been investigated sparsely. In asymptomatic and symptomatic gallstone carriers, treatment with the hydrophilic bile salt ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been claimed to reduce the risk of biliary colic and gallstone complications such as acute cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis. Also, prophylactic cholecystectomy could be beneficial in certain subgroups of asymptomatic gallstone carriers. However, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are lacking. In this review, strategies for the prevention of gallstone formation in the general population and in high-risk conditions are dealt with. Also, strategies for the prevention of biliary colic and gallstone complications in asymptomatic and symptomatic gallstone carriers are discussed.

Plasma total homocysteine and gallstone in middle-aged Japanese men

BACKGROUND

We wished to determine whether selected coronary risk factors correlated with the presence of gallstone (GS) in middle-aged Japanese men.

METHODS

We carried out a cross-sectional study of 974 male Self-Defense officials. The odds ratio of a 1-SD increment in levels of coronary risk factors for the presence of GS was calculated in a logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Nine subjects had undergone cholecystectomy. Gallstone was detected in 39 subjects and not in 926 subjects. The presence of GS was associated with total homocysteine (tHcy), but not with total cholesterol, triglyceride, gamma-glutamyl transferase, glucose, or folate. The odds ratio of a 2.8-micromol/l increase (1 SD) in tHcy levels for the presence of GS was 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.69; P = 0.017), and the ratio was 1.33 (95% CI, 1.04-1.70; P = 0.025) after being adjusted for lifestyle factors, including cigarette smoking, vegetable intake, physical activity, and abstention from alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma tHcy, but not the other coronary risk factors, correlated with the presence of GS in middle-aged Japanese men. This association may partly explain the reported high prevalence rate of coronary heart disease in subjects with GS.

Association between thyroid function and gallstone disease

AIM: To investigate those associations using data of the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania.

METHODS: A study population of 3 749 residents aged 20-79 years without previously diagnosed thyroid disease was available for analyses. Serum TSH was used to assess thyroid function. Cholelithiasis was defined by either a prior history of cholecystectomy or the presence of gallstones on ultrasound. Logistic regression was performed to analyze independent associations between thyroid function and cholelithiasis.

RESULTS: There were 385 persons (10.3%) with low (<0.3 mIU/L), 3 321 persons (88.6%) with normal and 43 persons (1.2%) with high serum TSH levels (>3 mIU/L). The proportion of cholelithiasis among males and females was 14.4% and 25.3%, respectively. Among males, there was an independent relation between high serum TSH and cholelithiasis (OR 3.77; 95%-CI 1.06-13.41; P<0.05). Also among males, there was a tendency towards an elevated risk of cholelithiasis in persons with low serum TSH (OR 1.40; 95%-CI 0.96-2.02; P = 0.07). In the female population, no such relation was identified.

CONCLUSION: There is an association between thyroid and gallstone disease with a gender-specific relation between hypothyroidism and cholelithiasis.

Development of symptoms and complications in individuals with asymptomatic gallstones

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder stones are common in the developed world. Complications of gallstones contribute substantially to healthcare costs and may be life threatening. The identification of individuals likely to develop complications would be of benefit in clinical practice as elective cholecystectomy could then be performed.

METHODS

Seven hundred and thirty-nine subjects aged 35-85 years from the general population were screened for gallbladder problems by ultrasonography and questionnaire assessment of putative risk factors and digestive symptoms. Gallstones, cholesterolosis or sludge in the gallbladder were diagnosed in 123 (16.3 per cent) of 739 subjects, 120 of whom were followed for a median of 87 (range 3-146) months to May 2003 or until treatment was required.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were admitted to hospital and treated for gallstone-related complications or symptoms. The cumulative risk of being treated during the first 5 years after detection of asymptomatic gallstones was 7.6 per cent and there was no indication of this risk levelling off. There were no significant differences between treated and untreated subjects with regard to digestive symptoms or any of the risk factors monitored at the initial screening, although treated subjects were significantly younger than those who were not treated.

CONCLUSION

Nearly one in ten individuals with asymptomatic gallbladder stones in the general population may be expected to develop symptoms or complications that require treatment within 5 years. Age may be inversely related to the incidence of complications.

Prevalence of gallstone disease in Iran

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of gallstone disease is different depending on the geographic region involved. Few studies, in Asia but not from Iran, about the frequency of gallstone disease have been published. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of gallstone disease in Iran.

METHODS

Four hundred and seventy-seven nomads from southern Iran, 513 industrial laborers older than 34 years, and 421 laborers from a pharmaceutical company above 30 years of age, and 471 elderly persons from three nursing homes near Tehran underwent abdominal sonography.

RESULTS

There were 1373 men and 509 women. Eighty-nine subjects had gallstone disease and 10.1% of them were cholecystectomized. While the prevalence in the men and women in the age group 31-40 years was very low (0.3% in men and 1.8% in women), it increases sharply in men older than 60 years and women older than 50 years to more than 10-fold (12.5 and 24.6% in male and female with an age 71-80 years, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In Iran, gallstone disease is very uncommon in middle-aged people, but increases sharply in older people. However, this does not reach the high prevalence seen in Western countries. The intake of a high fiber-containing diet, a low number of overweight people, smoking habit and hyperlipidemia are probably the cause for this low prevalence.

Epidemiology of cholecystectomy and irritable bowel syndrome in a UK population

BACKGROUND

Some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may undergo unnecessary cholecystectomy. This paper describes the prevalence of cholecystectomy and IBS in a sample of British adults in Teesside. Associations between the two conditions and their relationship to consultation behaviour and socioeconomic status are described. The results are compared with those from Bristol in an attempt to determine the influence of service-related factors on the prevalence of cholecystectomy.

METHODS

A postal questionnaire was sent to 4432 adults aged 20-69 years registered with six general practices. The Standard Occupational Classification was used as a proxy for socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

In Teesside cholecystectomy was reported by 4.1 per cent of women and 1.3 per cent of men. Some 22.9 per cent of the women had IBS, and 10.5 per cent of men. Cholecystectomy was more common in patients with IBS (odds ratio 1.9 (95 per cent confidence interval 1.2-3.2); P < 0.01). The prevalence of cholecystectomy, of IBS and of consultation for symptoms of IBS was not influenced by socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of IBS may cause diagnostic confusion and unproductive surgery. Cholecystectomy may cause IBS-like symptoms, a single underlying disorder may produce symptoms in both gastrointestinal and biliary tracts, or the associations might be due to a combination of these factors.

Moderate alcohol consumption: the gentle face of Janus

OBJECTIVES

The regular consumption of alcohol in moderate amounts (defined in North America as up to 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for females) has been recognized in the last decade as a negative risk factor for atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae: coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Mortality and morbidity attributable to CHD are 40-60% lower in moderate drinkers than among abstainers. Among the mechanisms accounting for these reductions, increased circulating concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and inhibition of blood coagulation appear to be paramount. Additional benefits are, in certain beverages, conferred by the presence of constituents other than alcohol (e.g., flavonoids and hydroxystilbenes), which prevent oxidative damage, free radical formation, and elements of the inflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS

A number of other diseases appear to be beneficially modulated by moderate alcohol consumption based on epidemiologic surveys and, in some instances, experimental evidence. These include duodenal ulcer, gallstones, enteric infections, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and diabetes mellitus (type II). Compared with abstainers, moderate drinkers exhibit improved mental status characterized by decreased stress and depression, lower absenteeism from work, and decreased incidence of dementia (including Alzheimer's disease). Although limits of safe drinking have been conservatively defined, it is regrettable that political considerations are hampering the clinical application of this knowledge and its dissemination to the lay public.