Sonographic Evaluation of Gallbladder Motility in Children with Chronic Functional Constipation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Studies in adults suggest that constipation may not be a purely colonic pathology and may be a component of a generalized gastrointestinal (GI) motor disorder in which proximal GI motility can be impaired. Pediatric data are scarce, and the natural history of the disorder remains undefined. We aimed to evaluate gallbladder motility in a subset of Asian children with chronic functional constipation. METHODS: Abdominal ultrasound was performed on 105 children, including 55 patients (aged 3 to 13 years) with chronic functional constipation who met the inclusion criteria and 50 age- and gender-matched controls. The gallbladder contractility index was calculated based on the preprandial and postprandial gallbladder areas. Preprandial and postprandial values for gallbladder volume and wall thickness were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean value of the contractility index for the patients (15.77+/-24.68) was significantly lower than the mean value for the controls (43.66+/-11.58) (p=0.001). The mean postprandial gallbladder volumes and areas were larger in children with gallbladder hypomotility (p<0.05). The mean duration of constipation (4.8 months) was significantly higher (p=0.004) in the children with gall-bladder hypomotility. CONCLUSIONS: Gallbladder motility is significantly impaired in children with chronic functional constipation. This study contributes to the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, which will enable advancement in and improved management of children with chronic constipation and associated gallbladder hypomotility.

Gall bladder emptyng in diabetics with gall bladder disease

Gallbladder diseases increase 2-3 folds in diabetics than non diabetics, this explained by impairment of Gallbladder motility, at the same time non surgical approaches needs sufficient gallbladder motility, thence we arranged this study to determine the gallbladder emptying in diabetics [group I IDDM group II NIDDM] with gallbladder disease. 80 patients of both types of diabetes with gallbladder diseases as well as 13 healthy persons as a control subjected for estimatims of fasting and residual gallbladder volume and efection fraction by ultrasaugraphy at the end al this study we found a significant increase in the fasting and residual gallbladder volume as well as significant decrease in gallbladder ejection fraction which means that there is impairment in gallbladder motility which may explain the highe incidence of gallbladder diseases in diabetes and we suggest the addition of caspride for diabetes patients to prevent this impairment in gallbladder motility, to facilitate the choice of non surgical approaches to gallbladder diseases

effect of moderate alcohol intake on gallbladder motility A milk ultrasonographic study

To assess the effect of periodic and moderate alcohol intake on gallbladder motility. The Ultrasonographic ellipsoid method was used in 21 healthy male subjects: 12 non-alcohol and 9 alcohol drinkers. The stimulus for gallbladder contraction was 165 ml of half cream milk. Gallbladder dynamics were studied for 20 minutes following the ingestion of the milk. The mean percentage change in gallbladder volume after 10 and 20 minutes gave indications of gallbladder motility. Moderate and periodic alcohol intake did not stimulate rapid postprandial gallbladder emptying. The protective effect of alcohol against biliary cholesterol cholelithiasis could not be due to stimulation of gallbladder emptying

Study of gall bladder contractility and prevalence of gallstones in Egyptian patients with liver cirrhosis

Gall bladder stones are considered a public health problem allover the world. Many factors have been proposed to explain the increased incidence of gallstones in liver cirrhosis as alcoholism, changes in total bile acid pool, decreased cholesterol secretion, hemolysis secondary to hypersplenism, increased oestrogen levels and changes in gall bladder and sphincter of Oddi motility, but the exact mechanism has not been yet elicited. Our objective was to study gall bladder contractility and prevalence of gallstones in patients with liver cirrhosis in addition to analysis of the effect of portal hypertension on these two parameters. Eighty patients with chronic liver disease were enrolled [60 patients with liver cirrhosis and 20 patients with pure hepatosplenic schistosomiasis]. Ultrasonographic diagnosis of gallstones with evaluation of gall bladder contractility and portal hypertension were done. An increase in the number of subjects with gallstones with an increase of gall bladder fasting volume and residual volume with a decrease in gall bladder ejection fraction in the patients than the controls. Also there was an increase in the percentage of patients with gallstones among those with higher grades of portal hypertension. Patients with liver cirrhosis have higher frequency of gallstones with diminished gall bladder contractility and higher measures of portal hypertension

Postprandial gall bladder contraction seen under ultrasound to rule out non functioning gall bladder in patients of flatulent dyspepsia

Thirty patients with flatulent dyspepsia selected. Ultrasound examination pre and postprandial done. 26 had normal postprandial gall bladder contraction. 4 patients found to be having non functional gall bladder as it did not show postprandial contraction. They were advised to have oral cholecystography and one of these 4 patients was found to have stone impacted in neck of gall bladder

Criterios de selección para fragmentación de cálculos vesiculares por ondas de choque extracorpóreas / Selection criteria for fragmenting gallstones by extracorporeal shock waves

La fragmentación de cálculos vesiculares por ondas de choque extracorpóreas es otra de las variantes terapéuticas no quirúrgicas a tener en cuenta en esta entidad. Se estudiaron 1 957 pacientes remitidos de todo el país con el diagnóstico de litiasis vesicular en una consulta especializada creada el efecto en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. Se seleccionaron 626 (32 por ciento) y se siguieron inicialmente los criterios del Grupo de Munich; 479 (76,6 por ciento) del sexo femenino y 147 (23,4 por ciento) del masculino. En 125 pacientes (20,0 por ciento) la edad sobrepasó los 60 años. No se incluyeron 672 por componente litiásico grande (50,4 por ciento); 276 por vesícula excluida en la colecistografía oral (20,8(por ciento) y 212 por vaciamiento vesicular insuficiente (16,0 por ciento). La hipertensión arterial (67,0), la diabetes melitus (45,0 por ciento) y la cardiopatía isquémica (28,0 por ciento) fueron las enfermedades asociadas más frecuentes en los seleccionados; en ellos predominaron los cálculos únicos (71,7 por ciento), de hasta 20 mm de diámetro (65,7 por ciento), radiotransparentes (83 por ciento) y con densidades inferiores a las 50 unidades Houndsfield (60,5 por ciento)(AU)

The fragmentation of gallstones by extracorporeal shock waves is other of the nonsurgical threapeutic variants to be taken into account in this entity. 1 957 patients referred from all over the country with the diagnosis of biliary lithiasis were studied in a specialized office established to this end at Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical and Surgical Hospital. 626 (32 percent) were selected, 479 (76.6 percent) females and 147 (23.4 percent) males, and the criteria of the Group of Munich were initially followed. 125 patients (20.0 percent) were over 60. 672 were not included due to large lithiasic component (50.4 percent); 276 due to gallblader excluded in oral cholecistography (20,8 percent); and 212 to insufficient gallblader dumping (16,0 percent). Arterial hypertension (67,0 percent), diabetes melitus (45,0 percent) and ischemic heart disease (28.0 percent) were the most frequent associated diseases among the selected individuals. The single calculi (71.7 percent) of up to 20 mm of diameter (65.7 percent), radiotransparent (83 percent) and with densities under 50 Houndsfield units (60.5 percent) predominated(AU)

Gastrointestinal motility disorders in type 1 diabetes: a pilot study

This work aimed to study gastric and esophageal motility by scintigraphy and gallbladder contractility by scintigraphy and ultrasonography in type 1 diabetic patients and to assess any association with demographic data, GIT symptoms, metabolic control or chronic complications of diabetes. A case control study including 30 patients more than 9 years of age and more than 5 years duration of type I diabetes as well as 15 healthy controls age and sex matched with patients was carried out. All patients were subjected to thorough history including gastrointestinal symptoms, insulin dosing, glycemic control and diet pattern and history of chronic complications as peripheral or autonomic neuropathy. Physical examination included blood pressure measurement, signs of peripheral neuropathy and fundus examination to exclude retinopathy. Mean glycosylated hemoglobin [HbAlc] was estimated in diabetic patients in the preceding five years before testing. Albumin/creatinine ratio was determined to detect microalbuminuria. Real-time ultrasonography was performed to evaluate gallbladder volume and ejection fraction in diabetic and control groups, while scintigraphic studies were done to detect the esophageal emptying rate, the gastric emptying time and the gallbladder ejection fraction. Compared with mean values of controls as well as reference values, there was reduction in gallbladder ejection fraction in 76.7% of diabetics by scintigraphy and in 53.3% by ultrasonography, decreased esophageal emptying rate in 43.3% of diabetics and abnormal gastric emptying in 56.7% of diabetics [20% had delayed gastric emptying and 36.7% had accelerated gastric emptying]. The above findings were more pronounced in patients having chronic diabetic complications, especially autonomic neuropathy

A Case of Chronic Acalculous Cholecystitis Diagnosed by Delayed Contrast Emptying in Gallbladder / 대한소화기학회지

Chronic acalculous cholecystitis is a diagnosis of exclusion in patients complaining acalculous biliary pain. The possible causes of acalculous biliary pain are chronic gallbladder (GB) inflammation, GB dysfunction, cholesterolosis, cystic duct stenosis or microlithiasis. Recently, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the choice of treatment for acalculous biliary pain. We experienced a 32-year-old woman whose initial symptoms were right upper quadrant pain and nausea only. The abdominal computed tomography, DISIDA scan, and upper and lower endoscopic examinations were nonspecific. Up to 48 hours after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, contrast emptying of GB was delayed, implying dysfunctional GB. As the patient's right upper quadrant pain and tenderness became aggravated, the laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done and the final diagnosis of chronic acalculous cholecystitis was confirmed.

effect of breast feeding on plasma cholecystokinin in neonates

this prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of breast-feeding on cholecystokinin in neonates. this study was conducted in King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital. Plasma concentration of cholecystokinin [CCK] was estimated in 41 neonates [19 boys, 22 girls]. The study was done in the neonates on the third day after delivery. Serum CCK was estimated by radioimmunoassy. it was found that CCK rises immediately after breast feeding and declines 10 minutes later. CCK rises immediately after breast-feeding and declines 10 minutes later

Comparison of effects of cholecystokinin and erythromycin on bile chemistry and gallstone formation in aged guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND: There has been considerable interest in gall bladder motility in recent years. We compared the effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) and erythromycin on bile chemistry and gallstone formation in aged guinea pigs. METHODS: Two groups of guinea pigs (1-mo and 3-y old; n=40 each) were studied. Each group was divided into four subgroups of 10 animals each; one subgroup received lithogenic diet, one each received CCK or erythromycin daily in addition to lithogenic diet for 4 weeks, and one received normal diet. After 4 weeks, the presence of gallstones or sludge was recorded and bile composition including concentrations of bile acid, cholesterol, lecithin and protein concentrations was studied. RESULTS: No gallstones were observed in the 1-mo-old animals. In the 3-year-old animals, 9 of 10 guinea pigs on lithogenic diet and 4 of 10 in each treatment subgroup and the normal diet subgroup developed gallstones. CCK and erythromycin had similar effects on bile chemistry and stone formation. CONCLUSIONS: Aging increases the formation of gallstones in guinea pigs. Erythromycin is as effective as CCK in reducing gallstone formation by improving gall bladder motility.

The effects of cholecystojejunostomy and biliary drainage on biliary motor / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Simulating physiological neuronal and hormonal conditions during digestive and interdigestive periods, the study identified the changes of the motility of biliary system including bile duct and sphincter of Oddi (SO) before and after cholecystojejunostomy. Thirty-five rabbits were divided into five groups randomly. The experimental groups received the venous injection of CCK 10 ng/kg, erythromycin 10 mg/kg, atropine 3 micrograms/kg and L-NAME 10 mg/kg respectively. Each rabbit underwent manometry through introducing a three-lumen catheter via the papilla retrogradely, using the low-compliance papillary infusion system. Then the gallbladder and the upper segment of the jejunum was anastomosed and the manometric procedures repeated after one week. SO basal pressure was increased, contraction amplitude decreased, contraction time shortened after cholecystojejunostomy. L-NAME, CCK and erythromycin could all excite SO. L-NAME could increase basal pressure and contraction amplitude, CCK increase basal pressure contraction amplitude and frequency, and erythromycin increase contraction amplitude, respectively. But comparing with that before cholecystojejunostomy, the increasing extent was decreased. The tensional and spontaneous contractions of the SO were under the control of the neural and hormonal mechanism. The anastomosis of gallbladder and jejunum and the drainage of bile made the tensional contraction stronger, but the spontaneous contraction weakened after the operation due to the decreases of the sensitivity of SO to hormonal factors. The clinical symptoms may not be relieved when the patients with SO dysfunction accepted cholecystojejunostomy.

The effects of cholecystojejunostomy and biliary drainage on biliary motor / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Simulating physiological neuronal and hormonal conditions during digestive and interdigestive periods, the study identified the changes of the motility of biliary system including bile duct and sphincter of Oddi (SO) before and after cholecystojejunostomy. Thirty-five rabbits were divided into five groups randomly. The experimental groups received the venous injection of CCK 10 ng/kg, erythromycin 10 mg/kg, atropine 3 micrograms/kg and L-NAME 10 mg/kg respectively. Each rabbit underwent manometry through introducing a three-lumen catheter via the papilla retrogradely, using the low-compliance papillary infusion system. Then the gallbladder and the upper segment of the jejunum was anastomosed and the manometric procedures repeated after one week. SO basal pressure was increased, contraction amplitude decreased, contraction time shortened after cholecystojejunostomy. L-NAME, CCK and erythromycin could all excite SO. L-NAME could increase basal pressure and contraction amplitude, CCK increase basal pressure contraction amplitude and frequency, and erythromycin increase contraction amplitude, respectively. But comparing with that before cholecystojejunostomy, the increasing extent was decreased. The tensional and spontaneous contractions of the SO were under the control of the neural and hormonal mechanism. The anastomosis of gallbladder and jejunum and the drainage of bile made the tensional contraction stronger, but the spontaneous contraction weakened after the operation due to the decreases of the sensitivity of SO to hormonal factors. The clinical symptoms may not be relieved when the patients with SO dysfunction accepted cholecystojejunostomy.

What's the Clinical Implications of the Overactive Gallbladder? / 대한소화관운동학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: At present, the gallbladder dysfunction implies a disorder of decreased gallbladder contractility. Other motor disorder such as overactive gallbladder which shows excessive contraction cannot be excluded in the motility disorder of gallbladder. Thus, this study was done to define the diagnostic criteria and to develop the techniques to induce the excessive contraction of gallbladder. METHODS: CCK-op at 20 ng/kg by slow continuous infusion for 30minutes, that is known as most physiologic method for gallbladder contraction, was given for assessment of gallbladder emptying in 12 normal volunteers. Also, rapid bolus injection of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-op) at 20 ng/kg or 40 ng/kg was performed to induce the excessive contraction of gallbladder. Gallbladder contractility was represented as the ejection fraction (GBEF) measured by cholecystokinin-cholescintigraphy. RESULTS: 1. With a slow continuous infusion of CCK-op, the mean GBEF was 78.2+/-5.6% (mean+/-SD). 2. With a rapid bolus injection of CCK-op, GBEF showed variable results (10-86%) among subjects who had normal gallbladder. 3. Based on the results obtained by slow continuous infusion of CCK-op in normal volunteers, overactive gallbladder was defined when GBEF approached more than 70% within 15minutes after bolus injection of CCK-op. The overactive gallbladder was noted in 6 (50%) subjects who received rapid bolus injection of CCK-op (40 ng/kg). 4. Abdominal pain developed only in high-dose (40 ng/kg) bolus injection group (6/12, 50%), concomitantly with increased bowel movements, irrespective of excessive gallbladder contractility. CONCLUSION: Excessive gallbladder contraction had no clinical significance in the experimentally induced clinical model.

Ultrasonographic assessment of gall bladder kinetics in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of gallstones increases with age but the factors that influence gallstone formation in the elderly are poorly understood. Proposed factors include changes in bile composition and hypomotility of the gall bladder. Studies on gall bladder motility in the elderly have provided conflicting results, and none has been reported from India. AIM: To determine gall bladder contractility in healthy elderly subjects and compare it with that in young healthy volunteers. METHODS: Thirty healthy elderly (above the age of 60 years) and 30 young volunteers with no abdominal complaints were studied. Using real-time ultrasonography and the ellipsoid method, gall bladder volume was measured after overnight fast and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes after a standard fatty meal. Residual volume, delta volume and ejection fraction were calculated. RESULTS: Mean fasting gall bladder volume in elderly subjects was higher than that in young subjects (13.5 [5.8] mL vs 10.9 [3.6] mL; p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in the 60-min postprandial residual gall bladder volumes in the two groups. Change in gall bladder volume and ejection fraction were also similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in gall bladder emptying between elderly and young subjects though the fasting gall bladder volume was higher in the elderly.

Delay in gallbladder emptying during the perimenopausal period

A pilot study has ascribed an important role in gallbladder motility and emptying to the perimenopausal period. To assess the effect of this period on gallbladder emptying and cholelithogenesis, 25 women in the perimenopausal period without gallbladder disease were submitted to cholangiography and two ultrasound exams. The time for gallbladder emptying and the presence of cholelithiasis were assessed. All patients presented a delay in gallbladder emptying with no relationship to the pre- or postmenopausal period. This finding was not related to lithogenesis. Gallbladder emptying time is longer during the perimenopausal period

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy causing gall bladder dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to study gall bladder volume in fasting and 45 minutes post-prandial, by real time ultrasound in healthy controls and diabetic patients with and without autonomic neuropathy and to compare them. METHOD: Age, Sex and body mass index (BMI) matched 50 healthy subjects and 10 patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and 40 patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus were evaluated according to National diabetes Data Group of National Institute of Health (1979) criteria: 1. Fasting (overnight) venous plasma glucose concentration of > 140 mg/dl on two separate occasions. 2. Following ingestion of 75 gms of glucose, venous plasma glucose concentration of > 200 mg/dl at second hour and at one other occasion during two hour test. Autonomic neuropathy was assessed by the presence of symptoms like dysphagia, abdominal fullness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea +/- nocturnal, faecal incontinence or constipation, dysuria, urinary incontinence, the gustatory sweating, impotence etc. and were confirmed by standing test for orthostatic hypotension, hand grip test, Valsalva test and deep breaths test. RESULT: The study showed that: 1. Patients of diabetes mellitus had statistically significant larger fasting gall bladder volumes and these values were highly significant amongst patients with autonomic neuropathy. 2. Patients of diabetes mellitus and statistically significant larger post fatty meal gall bladder volume and these values were highly significant in patients with autonomic neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: We therefore conclude that impaired gall bladder contraction was found amongst patients of diabetes mellitus with autonomic neuropathy. The mechanism responsible for cholecystoparesis is attributed to vagal neuropathy. Incomplete gall bladder emptying leads to sequestration of cholesterol and nidus formation. Therefore gall bladder functions should be evaluated routinely in such patients and early intervention is recommended.