Analysis of Risk Factors Affecting Gallstone Formation in Liver Cirrhosis

Sohn, Byoung Kwan; Hahm, Joon Soo; Lee, Hang Lak; Lee, Joon Soo; Eun, Chang Soo; Park, Joon Yong; Han, Dong Soo; Choi, Ho Soon; Ahn, You Hern

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and incidence of gallstone disease in Korean patients with liver cirrhosis in relation to age, sex, etiology and severity of cirrhosis, and obesity.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was performed for 680 patients with liver cirrhosis. A longitudinal study was undertaken for 103 patients with liver cirrhosis who had neither gallstone nor biliary sludge at the beginning of the study. Gallstone development was monitored ultrasonographically every 6 month.
RESULTS
The prevalence of gallstone in the patients was 17.5% (119/680). Only the patients of Child's class B and C were significantly related to a higher risk of gallstone (odds ratio 1.83, p=0.01 for class B vs. A; odds ratio 2.53, p=0.001 for class C vs. A). In longitudinal study, gallstones developed in 18 (17.5%) of the 103 patients with liver cirrhosis but no gallstone or biliary sludge during mean follow-up of 31 months. Only Child's class indicated a risk of gallstone formation with statistical significance (odds ratio 5.00, p=0.017 for class C vs. A; odds ratio 3.20, p=0.052 for class B vs. A).
CONCLUSIONS
There was a significant association between cirrhosis and the prevalence and incidence of gallstone. The results suggest that cirrhosis is a major risk factor for gallstone and the risk increases with the severity of cirrhosis.