Thai Journal of Gastroenterology

Article :
Normal Gallbladder Ejection Fraction in Normal Thai Volunteers by Ultrasound and Intravenous Injection of Amino Acid

Author :
Ruthirago P, M.D.*
Dendumrongsup T, M.D.
Greter A, M.D.
Ovartlarnporn B, M.D.

Abstract :

Background: Biliary dyskinesia is one of clinical entity of motility disoders that associated with ab-
dominal pain.  Gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) has been used to select patient who will benefit from cholecys-
tectomy.  No normal GBEF in Thai population has been studied previously.
Objectives: To determine normal GBEF using rapid amino acid infusion and ultrasound in Thai healthy
volunteers.
Patients and Methods: Ultrasound measurements of gallbladder volume before and after amino acid
infusion were done in fasting healthy volunteers at 15 minutes interval for 6 times.  The GBEF was calculated by
the ellipsoid method and analyzed for normal limit.
Results: Twenty-seven volunteers were recruited, but only twenty subjects were eligible for analysis.
There were 10 male and 10 female with mean age +/- SD of 35.9 +/- 9.0 years. (a range of 23-50 years).  Two subjects
were excluded due to incidental taking of some medication that may affect the GBEF at the time of GBEF study.
The mean GBEF +/- SD of this group was 60.3 +/- 16.7% and the 90th percentile of lower limit of normal GBEF was
42%. Subset analysis for gender and age did not show any difference of the GBEF.
Conclusions: Ultrasound measurement of GBEF with amino acid infusion is simple to perform and is
readily available in general hospitals.  The normal GBEF in healthy Thai people was ? 42% in this study.  In order
for this value to be used as normal value, the measurement must be strictly followed our protocol.

[Thai J Gastroenterol 2004; 5(2): 105-110]

Keyword :
gallbladder ejection fraction, gallbladder dyskinesia

PDF Download :
file/Thai-Journal-of-gastroenterology-vol-5-no-2-1934242.pdf