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Review
. 2022 Nov 2;23(21):13376.
doi: 10.3390/ijms232113376.

The Etiology of Cholelithiasis in Children and Adolescents-A Literature Review

Affiliations
Review

The Etiology of Cholelithiasis in Children and Adolescents-A Literature Review

Katarzyna Zdanowicz et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

The incidence of gallstone disease has increased in recent years. The pathogenesis of cholelithiasis is not fully understood. The occurrence of the disease is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This article reviews the literature on cholelithiasis in children, with the exception of articles on hematological causes of cholelithiasis and cholelithiasis surgery. The aim of this review is to present the latest research on the pathogenesis of gallstone disease in children. The paper discusses the influence of all factors known so far, such as genetic predisposition, age, infections, medications used, parenteral nutrition, and comorbidities, on the development of gallstone disease. The course of cholelithiasis in the pediatric population is complex, ranging from asymptomatic to life-threatening. Understanding the course of the disease and predisposing factors can result in a faster diagnosis of the disease and administration of appropriate treatment.

Keywords: children; cholelithiasis; gallstones; pathogenesis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Influence of obesity on the development of gallstone disease and its complications in children.

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