Prevalence of Cholelithiasis in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

This prospective study was conducted to examine the prevalence of cholelithiasis in sickle cell disease and the relationship of its frequency to age and hematological parameters. Sixty-five patients with sickle cell disease attending Salmaniya Medical Center were interviewed and clinically examined. Their hematological parameters were assessed and an abdominal ultrasound examination was carried out. Twenty patients (30.8%) had gallstones, and 2 patients (3%) had biliary sludge. No significant relationship was found between the frequency of cholelithiasis and age or hematological parameters (hemoglobin and hemoglobin F values, microcytosis and reticulocyte count).