Gallstones in children: Retrospective analysis of 30 cases; [Çocuklarda safra taşlari: 30 Olgunun geriye dönük deǧerlendirilmesi]

Cebe A.; Evirgen Şahin G.; Yilmaz Ö.; Kasirga E.; Özyurt B.C.

Gallstones in children: Retrospective analysis of 30 cases; [Çocuklarda safra taşlari: 30 Olgunun geriye dönük deǧerlendirilmesi]

Date

2011

Authors

Abstract

Objective: This study was to present the characteristics of children with cholelithiasis. Material and Methods: Thirty patients, who had diagnosis of cholelithiasis between November 2006-January 2010 and has been followed at least 6 months in our pediatric gastroenterology clinic, was included in the study. Patients' records were reviewed retrospectively regarding symptoms, accompanying dise ases, complications, etiology, given treatments. Results: Mean age of patients were 6.81 ± 5.23 years and 15 (50%) of whom were girls. Hereditary spherocytosis in 2 patients, hyperlipidemia in 3, obesity in 2, prematurity and parenteral nutrition in 4, chemotheropathy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 1, and previous abdominal surgey in 2 patients were identified as risk factors. In 16 (53.3%) of the patients no risk factors were detected. Seven (25.9%) of 30 patients had cholecystectomy. In 17 patients who received ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for the treatment, reduction in stone size in 6 (35%) and complete resolution of the stones in 3 (17.5%) patients were detected, whereas there were no change in stone size in S (475%) patients. When results of UDKA treatment, based on stone sizes and counts, was evaluated, there were decrement in stone size, in 3 of 4 children, with single stone of < 5 mm and who has been started on UDKA treatment, and there was complete resolution of stone in one patient. However in children with single stone of >5mm and with multiple stones, who have been started on UDKA trearment, ones with no difference in stone size were predominant. 6 patients have not been given any treatment. Conclusion: Gallstones in majority of children included in our study was idiopathic and asymptomatic. Frequency of cholelithiasis was found to be increased in boys and girls, during infant period and adolescent period, respectively. In instances where surgical treatment has not been applicable, UDKA treatment, especially in children with single stone of <5mm, was efficient. Our findings should be supported by studies with larger scale. Copyright © 2011 by Türkiye Klinikleri.