Abstract
The risk of gallstones is thought to increase with number of pregnancies. Cholesterol gallstones are more prevalent in women than men and primarily related to sex steroids, particularly progesterone. During pregnancy there are changes in bile composition and gallbladder motility that promote gallstone formation. This study was conducted to determine incidence and outcome of pregnancy related biliary sludge and gallstone formation. Two hundred and nine consecutive expectant women were evaluated by ultrasonography at 1st trimester, 3rd trimester and at 4-6 weeks after delivery. Socio-demographic, medical and obstetrical history were taken and recorded. Incidence of gallstone and sludge formation were found 5.7% and 2.9%, respectively. The results suggest that pregnancy may be a risk factor for gallstone and biliary sludge formation.Mediscope Vol. 4, No. 2: Jul 2017, Page 21-24
Highlights
Gallbladder disease is highly prevalent in western countries
If biliary sludge was found at 1st scan, the participant were followed up for probable progression to gallstone
Six women (2.9%) were found to have newly developed biliary sludge during 2nd scanning at 3rd trimester and of them 5 (2.4%) persisted during 3rd scanning at 6-8 weeks after delivery, 1 (0.5%) sludge regressed (Table 2)
Summary
Gallbladder disease is highly prevalent in western countries. The prevalence of gallstones is upto 50.0% among adult women in some population of Latin American countries.[1]. Pregnancy may be a risk factor for gallbladder stone and sludge formation
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