Cholelithiasis in the gravid Hispanic population.

Ultrasound examinations were performed to determine the prevalence of cholelithiasis in 585 pregnant Hispanic patients. The ultrasound findings were correlated with age and country of birth. The overall prevalence of gallstones was 5.3%. This is not statistically different from the prevalence of gallstones in age-matched groups from previously published studies not selected for country of birth or ethnic background. We found no statistically significant different in prevalence rates for gallstones between Mexican-born and non-Mexican-born pregnant Hispanic women in the 20-year to 49-year age group. Unlike prior studies, this study does not support the use of increased ultrasound examination for cholelithiasis in a pregnant Hispanic population.