Hemolytic anemia increases the risk of which gallbladder condition?

Hemolytic anemia increases the risk of which gallbladder condition?

• A. Gallstones
• B. Acute cholecystitis
• C. Gallbladder polyps
• D. Biliary atresia

Answer: (A)

Hemolytic anemia raises red blood cell turnover, pushing more bilirubin into the bile. When bilirubin in bile is in excess, it can precipitate with calcium to form pigment stones, especially the black pigment stones seen with chronic hemolysis. These pigment stones increase the risk of gallstones. Acute cholecystitis can occur if a stone blocks the cystic duct, but the direct link here is the excess bilirubin driving pigment stone formation. Gallbladder polyps and biliary atresia are not typically produced by this bilirubin overload.

Hemolytic anemia raises red blood cell turnover, pushing more bilirubin into the bile. When bilirubin in bile is in excess, it can precipitate with calcium to form pigment stones, especially the black pigment stones seen with chronic hemolysis. These pigment stones increase the risk of gallstones. Acute cholecystitis can occur if a stone blocks the cystic duct, but the direct link here is the excess bilirubin driving pigment stone formation. Gallbladder polyps and biliary atresia are not typically produced by this bilirubin overload.