ABSTRACT

Background: Cholelithiasis is a worldwide health burden affecting variable age and gender categories. Cholelithiasis possess a major health concern owing to its prevalence and morbidity. Variable and interconnecting risk factors predispose to development of cholelithiasis.

Aim: To evaluate prevalence and associated risk factors of cholelithiasis in female patients in Misan province / Iraq.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional, prospective, observational study included 414 female patients recruited from Al-Sadder Teaching Hospital in Missan province from January 2015 to May 2017. The incidence of cholelithiasis and risk factors were assessed through complete history recording, clinical examination and abdominal ultrasonography.

Results: Of 414 female patients included in the current study, 69 patients had GB stones (16.7%) (Group A) and 345 patients were free of GB stones (83.3%) (Group B). Mean age in group A was 35 ± 5 years while in group B was 32 ± 6 years. Incidence of GB stones was positively correlated to hyperlipidemia and positive family history. Group A patients with thickened GB wall were significantly presented earlier and had fewer hospitalization days. Group A patients with normal GB wall were significantly presented at younger age.

Conclusion: Disturbed lipid profile and positive family history of cholelithiasis possessed a significant risk factor of GB stone development. Patients with chronic cholecystitis when complicated with GB stones showed significantly better surgical outcome. Younger GB stones' patients mostly presented with acute presentation and normal GB wall.

Keywords: Cholelithiasis, abdominal ultrasonography, prevalence, risk factors.