Pregnancy, Parity and Maternal Age - Predictive Factors for Occurrence of Billiary Pathology (Gallstones and Sludge)?

I. Tica, V. Tica, O. Teren

Abstract: Because biliary disorders during pregnancy are a matter of controversy, we studied a variety of factors considered important in the occurrence of gallstones and biliary sludge during this specific period of a woman’s life. In a prospective cohort (Regional University Hospital - Constanţa), 176 patients were included in 3 groups: pregnant (divided per trimester), puerperal and matching non-pregnant women (control). Each patient was assessed by anamnesis as well as by fasting and postprandial ultrasound examination of the gallbladder. Results were statistically interpreted. Results. The prevalence for biliary sludge and gallstones was 16.67% and 8.33%, respectively, in the control group; 33.85% and 9.23%, respectively, in the pregnant group and 9.09% and 9.09%, respectively, in the puerperal group. Pregnancy is not associated with a significantly statistic higher prevalence of the cholelithiasis than the nonpregnant status. The prevalence for biliary sludge and gallstones was 16.67% and 8.33%, respectively, in the control group; 33.85% and 9.23%, respectively, in the pregnant group and 9.09% and 9.09%, respectively, in the puerperal group. Conclusions. Pregnancy is not associated with a significantly statistic higher prevalence of the cholelithiasis than the nonpregnant status. The prevalence of the biliary sludge, instead, is significantly increased during pregnancy if compared to the non-pregnant status (p<0.05). Parity degree is not associated with the prevalence of either cholelithiasis or biliary sludge.
Keywords: gallbladder, pregnancy, gallstones, billiary sludge