The incidence of gallbladder stones and gallbladder function in beta-thalassemic children

Purpose: To determine gallbladder motor function and gallstone prevalence i n beta-thalassemic children. Abnormalities in gallbladder function or bile acid metabolism may contribute to gallstone formation in these patients. Material and Methods: In 17 beta-thalassemic patients and 12 normal healthy children with similar age, sex and weight, gallbladder size was measured u sing real-time US, and volume was calculated using the ellipsoid method. Results: In the beta-thalassemic patients, cholelithiasis was present in 2 patients (11.8%). Sludge, which can be a predisposing factor for cholelithi asis and cholecystitis when it persists, was detected in 5 patients (29.4%) . One of the patients had both cholelithiasis and sludge. Compared with the control group, beta-thalassemic children had larger fasting volume, residu al volume, and smaller contraction index. Conclusion: Beta-thalassemic patients have enlarged gallbladders that retai n an increased residual volume of bile. Gallbladder enlargement, bile stasi s, and impaired emptying of sludge may be important events in the pathogene sis of pigment gallstones in beta-thalassemic patients.