EFFECT OF NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY DRUGS ON FORMATION OF GALLBLADDER STONES

Evidence suggests prostaglandins are involved in the pathogenesis of c holesterol gallstones and that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (N SAIDs) may be effective in the management of biliary colic. We studied the prevalence of gallstones in patients chronically treated with NSA IDs. The cohort consisted of all adult patients undergoing ultrasonogr aphic examination of right upper quadrant. One hundred forty subjects filled out a detailed questionnaire about medication history. Twenty-t wo percent of subjects taking NSAIDs chronically had gallstones compar ed to 33% in those patients not taking NSAIDs (p>0.05). We conclude th at routine chronic NSAID use does not have significant impact on the p revalence of gallstones.