Etiology and Outcome of Cholelithiasis in Turkish Children

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the etiology of gallstones in children andresponses to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment. Methods: 74 children withcholelithiasis were recruited, and underwent ultrasonography to detect gallstones. All relevantclinical information was recorded in a structured proforma. Results: The commonest riskfactor was a family history of gallstones. Most children responded to UDCA treatment in thefirst six months; children with hemolytic diseases showed no response to UDCA.Conclusion: UDCA treatment may be useful before surgery in asymptomatic patients ofcholelithiasis without hemolytic diseases.