NON�CSURGICAL
TREATMENT OF GALLSTONE DISEASE IN CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
Georgieva-Shakola M, Tzaneva V, Atanassova
A*
Clinic of Pediatric
Endocrinol & Gastroenterol, Clinic of Hepatogastroenterol*, University
Hospital ��St. Marina��, Varna, Bulgaria
Objective:
Gallstone disease (GD) is an uncommon disorder in children &
adolescents. Litholysis treatment using drugs as the ursodeoxycholic acid
(UDCA) requires confirmation in childhood. Study��s aim was to reveal the
role of UDCA in the treatment of children with GD (cholesterol stones).
Methods:
In 1998-2000 the diagnosis cholesterol GD was proved in 8 pts. (5-18y.) (5
M. & 3 F.) by clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic & gallbladder
spot film radiographic investigation. Ultrasonographic signs were: stones
< 15 mm, free ductus choledochus, open ductus cysticus, gallbladder <
half full of stones. Radiographically gallstones consisted mainly of
cholesterol (without calcium salts). The dosage of UDCA was calculated
according to body weight - 5-10mg/kg/24h bidtime. After 3 months & 6
months there were clinical, laboratory & ultrasonographic controls.
Results:
After 3 months treatment in 6/8 the clinical symptoms were ameliorated:
abdominal pain (2/8), jaundice (0/5), dyspeptic symptoms (7/8). After 6
months there weren��t gallstones in the gallbladder ultrasonographically.
There didn��t note any side effects.
Conclusion: UDCA is an useful drug in the
treatment of GD in children & adolescents. Acceptance of UDCA therapy
by the children is excellent.