Cholesterol retention in the gallbladder during pregnancy increases the risk of which condition?

Cholesterol retention in the gallbladder during pregnancy increases the risk of which condition?

• A. Gallstones
• B. Chronic cholecystitis
• C. Gallbladder cancer
• D. Cholangitis

Answer: (A)

Cholesterol retention in the gallbladder during pregnancy sets up a situation where bile becomes supersaturated with cholesterol and moves more slowly through the gallbladder. Hormonal changes in pregnancy drive this: estrogen increases cholesterol secretion into bile, while progesterone slows gallbladder emptying. The combination promotes cholesterol stone formation, which is the most common biliary issue in pregnancy. While gallstones can later lead to inflammation or bile duct problems, the direct risk from cholesterol retention at this time is the development of stones rather than chronic cholecystitis, gallbladder cancer, or cholangitis.

Cholesterol retention in the gallbladder during pregnancy sets up a situation where bile becomes supersaturated with cholesterol and moves more slowly through the gallbladder. Hormonal changes in pregnancy drive this: estrogen increases cholesterol secretion into bile, while progesterone slows gallbladder emptying. The combination promotes cholesterol stone formation, which is the most common biliary issue in pregnancy. While gallstones can later lead to inflammation or bile duct problems, the direct risk from cholesterol retention at this time is the development of stones rather than chronic cholecystitis, gallbladder cancer, or cholangitis.