Association of Cholelithiasis with Junk Food & Lipid Profile in Young Women

Abstract

Introduction: Cholelithiasis is a disease which is becoming quite prevalent in the society. Recent years have seen a dramatic change in the population afflicted by this disease along with its presentation. Changes in dietary habits with westernization of diet, sedentary life style and craving for fast food have resulted in a large number of female population belonging to younger age group (20-40 years) affected by gallstones. Objectives: To define the prevalence of gall stone disease in young female population, to highlight the importance of dietary factors and to define the role of lipid abnormalities. Study Design: Cross -sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Surgical department of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Medical University (FMU), Faisalabad from 20-6-17 to 20-10-17. Materials &Methods: A total of 50 patients and 30 controls were included in the study. Data was collected by a literature-based questionnaire regarding type of diet. Serum cholesterol & triglycerides were assayed by kit method. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using a SPSS version 17. Results: Results showed mean value for age 35.01 ± 5.437 standard deviation. Out of 50 patients, 19 females were in the range of 25-35years (38.0 %) and 31 were in 36-45 years of age (62.0 %). Out of 50 patients 16(32%) gave history of eating fast & fried food whereas 34(68%) patients never had taken any such food. Patients consuming soft drinks were 28(56%) & non-consumer patients were 22(44%).Patients having increased cholesterol were 7(14%).Normal level was observed in 43(86%) patients. Increased triglyceride level was found in 28(56%) while normal level in 22(44%) patients. Conclusion: The results indicated that the incidence of gallstones is increasing in younger females even up to 25 years. There is strong association of the disease with increasing age and junk food. No association was found with soft drink consumption. Also, no correlation was found with increased cholesterol & triglycerides.

Keywords: Cholelithiasis, junk food, cholesterol and pigment stones