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

Purpose: To determine gallbladder motor function and gallstone prevalence in 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 using 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 cholelithiasis 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, residual volume, and smaller contraction index. Conclusion: Beta-thalassemic patients have enlarged gallbladders that retain an increased residual volume of bile. Gallbladder enlargement, bile stasis, and impaired emptying of sludge may be important events in the pathogenesis of pigment gallstones in beta-thalassemic patients.