Hypothyroidism as a risk factor for choledocholithiasis: A case-control study in an Indian population

Abstract

Hypothyroidism causes dyslipidemia and biliary stasis both of which predispose to the formation of CBD stones. If hypothyroidism is determined as an independent factor in the etiology of choledocholithiasis, it alters the preoperative diagnostic and therapeutic work up of patients with CBD stones. Early diagnosis and treatment of CBD stones can prevent complications of surgical jaundice, sepsis, cholangitis, liver abscess and dysfunction, biliary cirrhosis and pancreatitis. A case control study was done where 140 cases and 140 controls were sampled. A significant proportion of the cases were found to have hypothyroidism in comparison to controls with odds ratio of 12.21. Other variables included female sex, age greater than 60 years, non-vegetarian diet, increased LDL, VLDL and Triglyceride levels. This study proves that hypothyroidism is a significant independent risk factor for choledocholithiasis, and this can give validation to inculcate change in the approach and management of a case of choledocholithiasis.