Sickle Cell Disease and Gallbladder Disease

These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients with sickle cell disease to learn more about gallbladder disease.

Important information:

The gallbladder is a sac located under the liver on the right side of the belly under the rib cage. It stores bile products produced by the liver. Bile aids in the digestion of fats.

Gallstones are tiny stones that form in the gallbladder. They are made of cholesterol or bile particles that clump into a solid mass. Most gallstones are small enough to pass out of the body without issue. Sometimes they can grow large or get caught in the narrow outlet of the gallbladder or in the intestines. This can lead to pain, a buildup of bile, pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) or infection.

Patients with sickle cell disease are more likely to develop gallstones because of increased red blood cell breakdown (hemolysis). This causes a substance to be released (bilirubin) that can lead to stones in the gallbladder. Sickle cell related gallbladder disease includes inflammation, infection, stones, or blockage of the gallbladder ducts. It can develop as early as 5 years of age. It can be triggered after eating fried or fatty foods or overeating.

Symptoms of sickle cell related gallbladder disease include:

• Right upper quadrant pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Increase yellowing of the eyes

Lab tests and abdominal ultrasound are used to detect sickle cell related gallbladder disease.

Patient instructions:

• Take daily medicine for sickle cell disease as prescribed.

• Make dietary changes like avoiding fatty or fried foods.

• Notify the sickle cell team if your child has symptoms.

• A cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, may be recommended if problems are severe.

Please contact your CHOP hematology team with questions or concerns.

Division of Hematology

215-590-3535

Sickle Cell Center

For non-urgent issues, send your team a message in the MyCHOP portal.

Reviewed on June 23, 2023, by Alexandra Kaspin, RN, MSN