Bile duct damage and hepatic steatosis are two characteristic histological findings in hepatitis C virus infection, and high prevalence of hepatitis C antibody is noted in patients with cholangiocarcinoma. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between biliary diseases and hepatitis C virus infection.

Persons who received a general checkup in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 2000 and 2002 were included. All had hemogram, serum biochemistry, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibody and ultrasonography studies.

The prevalence of gallbladder stone, bile duct stone and gallbladder polyp/cholesterolosis were compared in different viral infection groups.

Results

• Of the 28 486 persons, 22 967 were negative for both hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C antibody (group NBNC), 4152 were hepatitis B surface antigen carriers (group B), 1195 were positive for hepatitis C antibody (group C), and 172 were positive for both markers.
  
  
• The 379 persons (1.3%) having had cholecystectomy were considered to have gallbladder stone at the time when cholecystectomy was done.
  
  
• Gallbladder stone was found in 6.0% persons of group NBNC, 5.4% in group B and 11.7% in group C.
  
  
• The prevalence of gallbladder stone in group C was found especially high for age groups 31-40 years and 61-70 years.
  
  
• The prevalence of bile duct stone was higher in group C (0.4%) than in group NBNC or B (both 0.1%).
  
  
• Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that age, liver cirrhosis, body mass index, hepatitis C virus infection and gender were independent factors associated with gallbladder stone.

Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

T S Chang and others. Hepatitis C virus infection facilitates gallstone formation. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 9:1416-1421. September 20, 2005.