PREVALENCE AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF BILIARY TRACT ABNORMALITIES IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AND PREGNANT WOMEN WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS B
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Abstract
Objective: To estimate the prevalence of biliary tract abnormalities in women of reproductive age with CHB, compare pregnant versus non-pregnant participants, and describe key ultrasonographic (echographic) features using standardized criteria.
Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of women aged 18–49 years with CHB (HBsAg positive ≥6 months), stratified into pregnant and non-pregnant groups. Fasting transabdominal ultrasonography evaluates gallbladder (wall thickness, distension, sludge, stones, pericholecystic fluid, Doppler hyperemia, sonographic Murphy sign) and bile ducts (common bile duct diameter, intrahepatic duct dilation). Laboratory variables (ALT/AST, bilirubin, ALP, GGT, albumin), HBV markers (HBV DNA, HBeAg), and confounders (BMI, parity, trimester, rapid weight loss/hyperemesis, antiviral therapy) are recorded. Prevalence is reported with 95% confidence intervals; multivariable regression explores associated factors.
Results: [Insert prevalence estimates for sludge, stones, composite cholecystitis phenotype, and ductal dilation; provide adjusted effect estimates for pregnancy/trimester and HBV-related variables.]
Conclusion: A standardized biliary ultrasound approach can define the burden and echographic spectrum of biliary pathology in CHB, particularly during pregnancy. Because wall thickening alone is nonspecific and common in hepatitis, interpretation must integrate symptoms, inflammatory markers, and cholestatic biochemistry.
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