F110Human fetal gallbladder contractility exists in utero

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate whether human fetal gallbladder contractility exists in the second half of pregnancy.MethodUltrasound examinations were performed on 54 normal pregnant women from 20 to 40 weeks of gestation. Fetal gallbladder volume was monitored every 30 min from 8 to 18 o'clock in each patient.ResultsMaximum gallbladder volume (Max) had a linear relationship with gestational age between 20 and 32 and 35 weeks of gestation, after which a plateau was observed. Minimum gallbladder volume (Min) was not changed throughout gestation. Functional capacity (Max – Min) of the fetal gallbladder increased linearly with advancing gestation until 32–35 weeks' gestation, thenafter became constant. Contractility rate [(Max – Min/Max) × 100] increased curvilinearly with advancing gestation. The change of fetal gallbladder volume in a day showed a typical sinusoidal pattern, and the contractility cycle of gallbladder volume was not changed during pregnancy.ConclusionWe suggest that there is an gallbladder contractility in human fetuses in utero, and that maternal meals seem not to affect the volume of fetal gallbladder.