The Prevalence of Cholelithiasis in Nigerians with Sickle Cell Disease as Diagnosed by Ultrasound

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence of cholelithiasis in Nigerians with sickle cell disease in steady state, using ultrasonography. Study Design: A prospective cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Haematology Clinic, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City and Sickle Cell Centre, Benin City, Nigeria between July and December 2011. Methodology: The study population was made up of non-pregnant sickle cell disease patients not in crisis and who have not had cholecystectomy. They were confirmed to have sickle cell disease through haemoglobin electrophoresis. All the patients were examined with a B-mode ultrasound machine with a curvilinear multifrequency transducer 2.5-7.5MHZ after an overnight or at least six hour fast. Calculi were diagnosed if highly echogenic structures, with acoustic shadowing were detected in the lumen of the gallbladder. Results: There were 79 females and 71 males, aged between 10 months and 51 years. Of the 150 patients, 140 were homozygous for sickle cell disease (HbSS), while the remaining 10 were heterozygous for sickle cell disease (HbSC). The prevalence of