ABSTRACT

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of biliary sludge, the presence of defined risk factors, and the clinical course in infants followed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included all infants hospitalized in two separate tertiary NICU and who underwent routine abdominal ultrasonography screening between July 2023 and July 2024. Ultrasonographic findings of the gallbladder were classified as those with normal gallbladder content, isolated biliary sludge, and microlithiasis accompanying biliary sludge.

Results

Bile sludge was detected in 23 of 552 infants included in the study, and the frequency of bile sludge was 4.16%. The mean birth weight of infants was 2174±629 g, and the mean gestational age was 34.3±2.6 weeks. Bile sludge was more common among male infants with 69.5%. Neonatal sepsis was significantly more common in infants with isolated bile sludge, and intrauterine growth retardation was significantly more common in infants with microlithiasis. Spontaneous resolution of biliary sludge and microlithiasis was observed in all cases.

Conclusion

There is limited information about biliary sludge in newborns and children. In our study, it was shown for the first time in the literature that the frequency of biliary sludge is higher than the general population and is common among male infants in a large series of NICU patients. When the natural course of biliary sludge is observed, it is shown to be a dynamic condition that is not associated with the need for treatment or complications.