Gallstone prevalence in Christchurch: risk factors and clinical significance

Aims. To determine the frequency, risk factors and clinical significance of gallstones in a New Zealand population. Methods. One thousand names were randomly selected from the Christchurch el ectoral roils to recruit controls for a study on the prevalence of gallston es in diabetics. Three hundred and eighteen subjects (169 females, 149 male s) were recruited and in this study we analyse this control group for galls tone disease. All subjects completed a questionnaire, provided a fasting bl ood sample and underwent an ultrasound examination of their gallbladder unl ess they had previously undergone a cholecystectomy. Results. Overall gallstone disease, defined as previous cholecystectomy or a positive scan for gallstones was seen in 20.75% of the 318 subjects recru ited. Gallstone disease was more frequent in females (23.1%) compared to ma les (18.1%) but this difference was not statistically significant. For both genders there was a significant increase in gallstones with age. On univar iate analysis, risk factors for gallstone disease included age, increased b ody mass index, family history of gallstones and decreased alcohol intake i n females. However, only age and family history were significant on multipl e logistic regression. There was no difference in the frequency of dyspepti c symptoms or abdominal pain between those with or without gallstones confi rmed on scanning. The ratio of cholecystectomy to silent gallstones was hig her in females (46.2%) than in males (22.2%). Conclusion. Gallstones are prevalent in the New Zealand Community (20.8% ov erall). Risk factors are increasing age and family history. Gallstones dete cted on scanning were not associated with an increased incidence of dyspept ic symptoms or abdominal pain.