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Gallstones are more common in pregnant women due to elevated hormones and cholesterol levels, which block the bile duct and obstruct bilirubin excretion. [11] Besides, preeclampsia and eclampsia, denoted by high blood pressure, are linked to hyperbilirubinemia through damaging highly perfused organs, particularly liver and kidneys. [12]
In developed countries, 10–15% of adults experience gallstones. [4] Gallbladder and biliary-related diseases occurred in about 104 million people (1.6% of people) in 2013 and resulted in 106,000 deaths. [8] [9] Gallstones are more common among women than men and occur more commonly after the age of 40. [2]
Gallbladder diseases are diseases involving the gallbladder and is closely linked to biliary disease, with the most common cause being gallstones (cholelithiasis). [1] [2]The gallbladder is designed to aid in the digestion of fats by concentrating and storing the bile made in the liver and transferring it through the biliary tract to the digestive system through bile ducts that connect the ...
Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase are usually suggestive of liver disease whereas elevation of bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase suggests common bile duct obstruction. [12] Pancreatitis should be considered if the lipase value is elevated; gallstone disease is the major cause of pancreatitis. [citation needed]
Jaundice and/or clay-colored stool may raise suspicion of choledocholithiasis or even gallstone pancreatitis. [1] If the above symptoms coincide with fever and chills, the diagnosis of ascending cholangitis may also be considered. More than 70% of people with gallstones are asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally during ultrasound.
Gallstones form when the bile is saturated, usually with either cholesterol or bilirubin. [20] Most gallstones do not cause symptoms, with stones either remaining in the gallbladder or passed along the biliary system. [21] When symptoms occur, severe "colicky" pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen is often felt. [20]
About 10–15% of adults in the developed world have gallstones. [5] Women more commonly have stones than men and they occur more commonly after age 40. [4] Certain ethnic groups are more often affected; for example, 48% of American Indians have gallstones. [4] Of all people with stones, 1–4% have biliary colic each year. [5]
The gallstones are normally found proximal to the left and right hepatic ducts. The causes of the disease are poorly understood, but it is suspected that genetics, diets and environmental causes may contribute. It is more common in those of low socioeconomic status who suffer from malnutrition. Typically it strikes between 50 and 70 years old ...