International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Authors
Dr. Nasim Akhtar, Dr. Athar Nomani, Dr. Bushra Salim, Dr. Sarfaraz Jalil Baig

Abstract
Gallstone disease is a common gastrointestinal problem in day-to-day practice. The Old concept that a typical gallstone sufferer is fat, fertile, flatulent female of 50. This is partially true as the disease has been found in women soon after their first delivery who are thin and underweight and in males also. Conditions that favor the formation of cholesterol gallstones are super saturation of bile with cholesterol, kinetically favorable nucleation and presence of cholesterol crystals in the gall bladder long enough to agglomerate into a stone. Recent studies have defined the role of trace elements (Fe, Ca, Zn and Cu) and defective pH in the formation of gallstones. The aim of the study was to correlate iron-deficiency anemia with gallstone disease. Serum cholesterol, iron and ferritin levels were compared in patients having gallstones and healthy individuals. A low serum iron level is a factor in bile super saturation with respect to cholesterol, leading to gallstone formation.