Abstract
: BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly encountered. It is associated with several comorbid diseases. However, its association with infectious biliary diseases is still unknown. Aims: We aimed to assess whether NAFLD is a risk factor for the development of acute cholangitis among patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones. Methods: We performed a retrospective study, including all patients with a documented diagnosis of CBD stone that had available data on the presence or absence of NAFLD. Descriptive analysis using univariate and multivariate models was used to assess whether an association existed between NAFLD and acute cholangitis. Results: We included 811 patients. Of them, 161 patients presented with acute cholangitis, vs. 650 patients who presented with symptomatic CBD stone without cholangitis. NAFLD was significantly more common in the cholangitis group compared to the non-cholangitis group (15.5% vs. 8.3%, p = 0.01). In univariate analysis, age (Odds ratio (OR) 1.04, p < 0.0001), male gender (OR 1.47, p = 0.03), hypertension (OR 1.81, p = 0.0008), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.59, p = 0.01), and NAFLD (OR 2.04, p = 0.006) were significantly associated with acute cholangitis. In multivariate analysis, NAFLD kept its association with acute cholangitis irrespective of age (OR 2.15, p = 0.005). Conclusions: NALFD showed a significant association with acute cholangitis among patients with a CBD stone. Clinicians should encourage treatment of NAFLD in general, and especially in the setting of gallstone disease.
Highlights
Symptomatic gallstone diseases are increasingly encountered, accounting for the second-most-common cause of hospital admissions due to gastrointestinal diseases [1,2]
The aim of the current study is to assess whether Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a risk factor for the development of acute cholangitis and whether it affects its severity among patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones
Apart from its association with metabolic syndrome, NAFLD has emerged as a risk factor for several extrahepatic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and extrahepatic cancers
Summary
Symptomatic gallstone diseases are increasingly encountered, accounting for the second-most-common cause of hospital admissions due to gastrointestinal diseases [1,2]. Only 15% of patients with gallstones become symptomatic [3], the symptomatic disease might lead to life-threatening complications, including biliary pancreatitis and acute cholangitis. Acute cholangitis presentation can range from mild, stable disease to severe, fatal disease; early identification of this gallstone-related biliary complication is essential since prompt antibiotic treatment and early endoscopic drainage minimize morbidity and mortality [4]. The major cause of acute cholangitis is CBD stone; the clinical factors that predispose patients with bile duct stone to acute cholangitis are not completely elucidated [5]. The aim of the current study is to assess whether NAFLD represents a risk factor for the development of acute cholangitis and whether it affects its severity among patients with CBD stones
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
