OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of cholelithiasis is still unknown in Tunisia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and selected risk factors of cholelithiasis METHODS: Two thousand citizens over the age of 19 in a small town in the center of Tunisia were evaluated. Following a structured interview of each subject, an ultrasound examination was performed. Height, weight and blood levels of glucose and cholesterol were determined by standard methods. RESULTS: The response rate was 56% (746 women and 377 men). Of the 1123 persons evaluated, 19 had undergone previous cholecystectomy. Crude prevalence of cholelithiasis was 4% (5.4% in women and 1% in men). Typical biliary colic was the only symptom significantly associated with cholelithiasis (specificity: 97.6%). Presence of gallstones was associated with age (P=0.02), sex (P=0. 00045) and multiparity (P<0.0002). Neither body mass index, diabetes mellitus or hypercholesterolemia were risk factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cholelithiasis in central Tunisia is low. The risk factors are similar to those in occidental surveys.
OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of cholelithiasis is still unknown in Tunisia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and selected risk factors of cholelithiasis METHODS: Two thousand citizens over the age of 19 in a small town in the center of Tunisia were evaluated. Following a structured interview of each subject, an ultrasound examination was performed. Height, weight and blood levels of glucose and cholesterol were determined by standard methods. RESULTS: The response rate was 56% (746 women and 377 men). Of the 1123 persons evaluated, 19 had undergone previous cholecystectomy. Crude prevalence of cholelithiasis was 4% (5.4% in women and 1% in men). Typical biliary colic was the only symptom significantly associated with cholelithiasis (specificity: 97.6%). Presence of gallstones was associated with age (P=0.02), sex (P=0. 00045) and multiparity (P<0.0002). Neither body mass index, diabetes mellitus or hypercholesterolemia were risk factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cholelithiasis in central Tunisia is low. The risk factors are similar to those in occidental surveys.
Authors: Thomas Walcher; Mark Martin Haenle; Martina Kron; Birgit Hay; Richard Andrew Mason; Alexa Friederike Alice von Schmiesing; Armin Imhof; Wolfgang Koenig; Peter Kern; Bernhard Otto Boehm; Wolfgang Kratzer Journal: World J Gastroenterol Date: 2005-11-21 Impact factor: 5.742