Ceftriaxone-associated Biliary Sludge and Pseudocholelithiasis During Childhood: a Prospective Study

Background: Cholelithiasis is a rare condition seen during childhood. The aim of this study was to determine frequency of biliary sludge and cholelithiasis with ceftriaxone therapy.

Methods: Thirty-eight children aged between 1 month and 17 years were evaluated with ultrasonographic examination at the initiation of the ceftriaxone therapy and 10th day of therapy, consecutively. If biliary sludge or cholelithiasis were demonstrated, scans were repeated monthly until pathology disappeared.

Results: Abnormal gallbladder sonograms were demonstrated in 36.8% (n = 14) of patients at the 10th day of therapy. Cholelithiasis was detected in 28.9% (n = 11) of patients and biliary sludge was detected in 7.9% (n = 3). Two children still had cholelithiasis at the 30th day after therapy and one had cholelithiasis after the 60th day. The 9-year-old girl who still had cholelithiasis after 60 days of therapy also had nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain at 7 days after cessation of therapy. Her 90th day sonographic examination was normal.

Conclusion: Reversible biliary sludge or pseudocholelithiasis due to ceftriaxone treatment is not a rare condition. Therefore it is benign, spontaneously resolved and clinical signs are usually absent.