The Prevalence of Gallstones in Autopsies from a Danish Urban Area: Frederiksberg, 1959–1985

Abstract

The prevalence of gallstones and cholecystectomies (S + R) was reviewed in nine annual autopsy series, from 1959 to 1985. The investigation confirmed the expectancy of more S + R with increasing age and among women. The median sex ratio was 1.6 (range, 1.3–1.7). It is noteworthy, however, that although the number of elderly people in the autopsy material increased during the period, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of S + R (p=2 × 10⁻⁸). The total prevalence for men decreased from 26% to 18% (p=2 × 10⁻³) and for women from 44% to 31% (p < 10⁻¹⁰). The most striking decrease was seen in the age groups from 60 to 80 years. After a possible culmination during the period from 1920 to 1960, the number of gallstones seemed to level off again. The rates were the same as at present in other Danish investigations from the Copenhagen area (1889, 1911, and 1920–21).

Key Words:

• Autopsy
• epidemiology
• gallstone
• prevalence