Clinical and laboratory markers of choledocholithiasis and its complications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2415-8127.2026.73.1Keywords:
review article, choledocholithiasis, cholangitis, biliary pancreatitis, bile ducts, clinical and laboratory markersAbstract
The clinical presentation of choledocholithiasis can vary considerably, as inflammation of the bile ducts can be asymptomatic (up to half of cases) or associated with a variety of symptoms and conditions, ranging from colic to potentially life-threatening complications such as ascending cholangitis, biliary pancreatitis, etc.
The purpose of the study is to analyze current data on clinical and laboratory markers used for the diagnosis of choledocholithiasis and its complications.
The study was based on analyzing scientific sources of information on the specified topic.
Retrospective studies have shown that the combination of serum bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and patient age has a high prognostic value for the presence of biliary stones. Inflammatory markers are particularly important, including interleukin-6, which has been shown to be more accurate in detecting necrotic forms of acute biliary pancreatitis early in the disease than traditional C-reactive protein. It has also been found that liver function tests, such as alanine aminotransferase, may be useful in differentiating the biliary etiology of pancreatitis, although their sensitivity is limited. The use of computed tomography, especially with contrast, remains an important tool for visualizing complications, although its sensitivity in the early stages of the disease may be insufficient. Laboratory markers also include urinary trypsinogen-2 and polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase, but their clinical availability is limited.
The use of a combination of biochemical and instrumental studies allows to increase the accuracy of choledocholithiasis diagnosis and prediction of complications, which is of key importance for choosing an adequate treatment strategy and reducing the risk of serious consequences.
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