J Korean Med Sci.  2014 Sep;29(9):1247-1252. 10.3346/jkms.2014.29.9.1247.

Shifting Prevalence of Gallbladder Polyps in Korea

• Lee YJ
• Park KS
• Cho KB
• Kim ES
• Jang BK
• Chung WJ
• Hwang JS

• KMID: 1794603
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2014.29.9.1247

Abstract

Only a few studies have evaluated the population-adjusted prevalence of gallbladder polyps (GBP). This study aimed to evaluate the changes in GBP prevalence and risk factors at a single health screening center in Korea from 2002 to 2012. Of 48,591 adults who underwent health screening between 2002 and 2012, 14,250 age- and gender-matched subjects were randomly selected to evaluate prevalence. Risk factors were analyzed between the GBP-positive and GBP-negative groups during 2002-2004 (Period A) and 2010-2012 (Period B). The annual prevalence of GBP over the 11-yr period was 5.4%. Annual prevalence increased from 3.8% in Period A to 7.1% in Period B. Male gender and obesity were independent risk factors for GBP in both periods. Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was a risk factor for GBP in Period A but not in Period B. The risk factors for GBP changed from HBsAg positivity to lipid profile abnormalities. Other variables including age, hypertension, diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and liver function tests did not correlate with GBP. In conclusion, GBP prevalence is increasing and risk factors for GBP have changed in Korea. More attention should be paid to this issue in the future.

Keyword

Gallbladder Polyps; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Korea

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Female
Gallbladder Diseases/complications/*epidemiology
Hepatitis B/complications
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/blood
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Obesity/complications
Polyps/*epidemiology/pathology
Prevalence
Republic of Korea/epidemiology
Risk Factors
Sex Factors
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Prevalence of gallbladder polyp according to the year. Mean annual prevalence increased from period A (3.8%) to B (7.1%).

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  Fig. 2 Prevalence of gallbladder polyp according to gender and age. (A) Prevalence rate in period A (2002-2004). (B) Prevalence rate in period B (2010-2012).

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