PREVALENCE OF GALLSTONES AND GALLBLADDER DISEASE IN CANADIAN MICMAC INDIAN WOMEN

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 117  (7) , 758-760
Abstract
The prevalence of gallstones and gallbladder disease was studied between Oct. 1973-June 1976 in Canadian Micmac Indian women aged 15-50 yr in an inland rural community near Shubenacadie, NS [Nova Scotia]. Of 132 women at risk 98 underwent cholecystography, 6 had a history of cholecystectomy [verified from hospital records] and 3 had cholecystectomy because of cholecystitis during the 3 yr of the study. Of 17 abnormal cholecystograms, 10 showed radiolucent gallstones and repeated studies documented gallstones in 6/7 radiographs on which the gallbladder was not visualized. Prevalence of gallstones apparently was 211/1000, and that of gallbladder disease, 240/1000. Peak prevalence was at 30-39 yr of age. The women with gallbladder disease were significantly more obese and of greater parity than those without gallbladder disease even when age was controlled. Micmac Indian women of Nova Scotia appear to be at a much higher risk for development of cholesterol gallstones and gallbladder disease than Caucasian women in Framingham, Massachusetts.