Factors influencing the prevalence of gallstones in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang, Yong1; Liu, Dapeng2; Ma, Qingyong; Dang, Chengxue2; Wei,
Wei3; Chen, Wuke2
Source: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Volume 21, Number 9,
September 2006, pp. 1455-1458(4)
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
Abstract:
Background and Aims: 
To investigate the prevalence of gallstone disease in Chinese patients with
liver cirrhosis and to identify risk factors for cholelithiasis.
Methods: 
Blood samples were tested and ultrasonographic examination of the upper
abdomen was conducted to observe the prevalence of gallstones in 90
compensated cirrhotic patients (Child-Pugh A), 180 decompensated cirrhotic
patients (Child-Pugh B, C) and 300 controls. Risk factors for gallstone
formation (age, sex, pregnancy, family history) and the characteristics of
liver cirrhosis (Child class, inside diameter of portal vein), and
gallbladder (wall thickness) were assessed. Results: 
Gallstones were found more often in cirrhotic patients (23.7%) than in
controls (7.33%, P < 0.001). The prevalence of gallstones in
decompensated cirrhotic patients was higher than that of the compensated
cirrhotic patients (P < 0.001). Advanced age, female sex, family
history of gallstones, gallbladder wall thickness 4 mm or greater and
inside diameter of portal vein 13 mm or greater were significantly
associated with gallstone disease in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Multivariate analysis revealed that age (P < 0.001), sex
(P = 0.0005) and thickness (4 mm or greater) of the
gallbladder wall (P = 0.0064) were independently associated with
gallstone disease in such patients. Conclusions: 
This study confirms the high prevalence of cholelithiasis in liver
cirrhosis. Age and sex are risk factors for gallstones and gallbladder wall
thickness could be an additional risk factor for the development of
gallstone in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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