ABSTRACT
One hundred eighty-three young Saudi females [92 patients with gallstones, 91 controls] mean age and [SD], 30.2 [6.1] and 29. 7 [6.4] years respectively were studied in detail for possible risk factors for gallstone formation. No statistically significant difference was found when the two groups were compared with regard to past history of jaundice, HB[s]Ag carrier status, use of oral contraceptives, parity, diabetes mellitus, obesity [as Body Mass Index > 30], hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. However, it was noted that both groups were overweight; mean [SD] BMI of 27 [5.9] and 26.7 [6.8] for patients and controls respectively and both had high parity rates; mean and [SD] pregnancies of 4.7 [2.6] and 4.3 [2.9] respectively. Family history of gallstones in first degree relatives of patients was significant [.0027 < P < .01] more than in the controls [95% confidence interval of 3% to 23%]. This may suggest a genetic or an environmental factor that strikes the balance toward gallstone formation in the obese and fertile young female population. A larger nationwide, population-based study is surely justified and needed
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Results of a detailed case-control study of the risk factors for coronary heart disease [CHD] in 63 Sudanese subjects [32 patients and 31 age- and sex-matched controls], showed that comparing to patients and controls only diabetes mellitus, hyperuricaemia and possibly family history of CHD were significantly more common in patients. A marginally significant difference was noted in hypertension, total serum cholesterol and low density lipoproteins. No significant difference in triglycerides level, obesity [Quetelet's Index], cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and psychological factors [short type A scale] was found. Interestingly, none of the patients had a raised total Cholesterol or triglyceride level. Reassuringly, more than half of the smokers in both patients and controls smoked less than 20 cigarettes per day. From available data regarding the major risk factors of CHD probably the glucose/CHD relationship is particularly strong in the Sudanese. Otherwise it is possible that risk-factors for CHD in Sudan are not the same as those in the developed countries. However, monitoring of more individuals is needed fully to elucidate the situation