Symptomatic Gallstones in Young Patients Under the Age of 30 Years

Abstract

IntroductionGallstones are deposits of digestive fluid that is hardened into small pellets. Gallstones can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. The present study assessed the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients under the age of 30 years old with symptomatic gallstones. MethodologyA prospective, observational study was conducted at Surgical Unit-3, at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Pakistan, from July 2020 to July 2021. All patients suspected of having gallstone disease underwent ultrasonic examination. A diagnosis of gallstone disease was made if the gallbladder showed a hyperechoic mass casting a posterior acoustic shadow, with a change of position. All of the patients with gallstone disease were hospitalized. The patients were asked about their age, past history (with special emphasis on last pregnancy and years of oral contraceptive use, if any), socioeconomic status, and other demographic data. The patients were treated with a cholecystectomy, either laparoscopic or open. Postcholecystectomy complications, if any, were recorded. ResultsA total of 210 patients under the age of 30 years were included. The mean age of patients was 25 ± 3 years. The majority of the population were females, i.e., 170 (81%). Upon assessing the risk factors, it was found that 31.84% of the female patients had used oral contraceptives, 32.96% were pregnant at the time of presentation, 20.48% had diabetes mellitus, and 27.14% had a history of gallstones. Furthermore, it was found that about 114 (54.29%) patients were overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 kg/m 2 . High triglyceride levels and high cholesterol levels were found in 108 (51.43%) and 115 (54.76%) of the patients, respectively, indicating a link between symptomatic gallstones and younger age. ConclusionOur study indicated that young people are prone to symptomatic gallstones. The rate of disease was considerably high among females and in patients with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and abnormal body mass index. Further exploratory studies are needed to determine the cause of gallstones.

The global prevalence of gallstones in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In addition, it was found that 114 people were overweight, while 108 (51.43%) had elevated triglyceride and 115 (54.76%) had high cholesterol levels. The results showed that young people are susceptible to symptomatic gallstones, and the rate of this disease was significantly higher in women, in patients with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and abnormal body mass index (BMI) [3] .…”

“…These stones are formed in the gallbladder and biliary tract [2] and can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Their size can range from grains of sand to golf balls [3] and can be easily detected by ultrasound [4] .…”

“…Some severe gallstone operations may require cholecystectomy [3] . Cholecystectomy and laparoscopy can be performed in every trimester of pregnancy if indicated immediately [12] , [13] .…”

"Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Cholecystitis in Patients from the Eastern Zone of the State of Mexico"

“…Studies in France showed that the prevalence of gallstone in adolescent population is higher than previously thought Reports of childhood obesity and the use of oral contraceptives, remains latent as strong independent risk factors for gallstone disease, where reports have consistently remained in recent years [5,6]. Recent studies have indicated that cholelithiasis is strongly related to body mass index [7]. This may be due to increased fat intake and less physical activity.…”

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