HIGH PREVALENCE OF CHOLELITHIASIS IN A LOW-INCOME MEXICAN POPULATION - AN ULTRASONOGRAPHIC SURVEY

The authors present the results of a population-based survey of cholel ithiasis carried out in a low-income area of Mexico City using high-re solution gallbladder ultrasound. The purpose of the study was to estim ate the prevalence and selected associated risk factors of cholelithia sis (CL). The population of the studied area was 15,532 subjects, of w hom 3,505 (22.6%) were eligible for the baseline survey (men and non-p regnant women between 35-64 years of age). Of this group, 1,735 (76.03 %, 702 men and 1,033 women) were located for a follow-up study. Ultras onography was performed on all except for cholecystectomy. Cru de prev alence of Ci was 14.1% (95% CI 12.5-15.5). The prevalence was 5.8% (95 % CI 4.1-7.5) in men and 19.7% (95%CI 17.3-22.1) in women. Presence of gallstones was associated with age, sex (men p<0.006, women p<0.001), and multiparity (p<0.002). Centrality index in men and body mass inde x in women were positive and significantly associated with CL when com pared with subjects without CL. High levels of fasting and post-glucos e load insulin in women and men respectively were associated with CL. The authors conclude that the population of this study has a high prev alence of CL and confirm some known risk factors such as age, sex, BMI and multiparity. Proper assessment of the magnitude problem and chara cterization of potentially modifiable risk factors will play a major r ole in preventing this pathology.