Risk factors for choledocholithiasis in a south Indian population: a case-control study.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors for common bile duct (CBD) stones in a south Indian population.


METHODS
Demographic characteristics and diet details were obtained from patients with isolated CBD stones (Gp I) and those with combined CBD and gallstones (Gp II) and age- and sex-matched controls. The risk factors were compared between the two groups.


RESULTS
The demographic characteristics were similar between the two groups and matched controls. The significant risk factors for Gp I were infrequent consumption of green vegetable (odds ratio (OR), 2.3; p < 0.05), intake of tea/coffee (OR 3.3; p < 0.01) and less consumption of sugar (p < 0.01). For Gp II, the risk factors were frequent intake (>3 times per week) of spices (OR, 2.8; p < 0.05), fried foods (OR, 2.7; p < 0.05), tamarind (OR, 2.8; p < 0.01), and quantum of oil (p < 0.01) per month. Green vegetables (OR, 8.5; p < 0.00001) and sugar (9.5 + 4.2 vs. 13.8 + 11.2 g; p < 0.00001) were protective. Between the two groups, the risk factors for Gp II were less frequent green vegetable intake (OR: 6.4; p < 0.00001), more frequent spicy food (0-3 times per week) (OR, 7.0; p < 0.05), and higher monthly oil intake (251 + 105 vs. 292 + 89 mL; p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
CBD stones in both groups were associated with reduced intake of sugar and green vegetables. Our findings need to be validated in larger studies.
Department of Medicine, Stanley Medical College, Old Jail Road, Royapuram, Chennai, 600 001, India.
Alexander Palapatti
AP
Chandran
Ramya Ramakrishnan
RR
Sivarajan
Melpakkam
M
Srinivas
Vijaya
V
Srinivasan
Jayanthi
J
Venkataraman
D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D042883:Choledocholithiasis / Q000209:etiology*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors