Association of hepatitis [B, C and D] viral infection to gallstones in cirrhosis of liver

ABSTRACT

To observe the association between hepatitis viral [B, C and D] infection to gallstones in liver cirrhosis. A cross-sectional and hospital based study. This study was carried out at the Hepatology Clinic of CMC, Larkana during January 2011 to December 2011. 913 patients of cirrhosis of liver presenting at Hepatology Clinic of CMC, Larkana during January 2011 to December 2011 were enrolled for study. After informed written consent, blood samples were drawn for HBsAg, anti -HCV antibodies, and anti-HDV Antibodies by ELISA. Ultrasound of all cases was performed to detect gallstones and study the related radiological features. The data was transferred and analyze using SPSS version 17. Means of numeric response variables and categorical response variables were compared by chi-square test and odd ratios calculated when and where applicable. P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. HBsAg, Anti-HCV Ab and Anti-HDV Ab were documented in 272 [42.2%], 253 [39.3%] and 178 [27.6%] patients respectively. HCV co infection with HBV and HDV was documented in 56 [8.7%] and 44 [6.8%]. Gallstones were detected in 269 [29.5%] cirrhotic patients, of these 136 [14.9%] were multiple. Statistically significant association was observe between gallstones and HBsAg seropositivity with odd of 2.17 [95% CI 1.62 - 2.90] and p value less than 0.001. There was no statistically significant association between Anti-HCV Ab and Anti-HDV Ab seropositivity with gallstones in cirrhosis of liver. HBV infection is documented more frequently in cirrhosis with gallstone. Female were more likely to be infected. HBV infection may be one of the risk factor for development of gallstones in cirrhosis of liver