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Urinary calculi associated with solvent abuse.
T Kaneko1, T Koizumi, T Takezaki
1Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Yamanashi, Japan.
The Journal of Urology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Long-term solvent abuse, including toluene and xylene, can cause urinary calculi (kidney stones). This risk is particularly relevant for young individuals abusing solvents like lacquer thinner or cement.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Urology
Background:
- Solvent abuse is a growing public health concern, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
- The long-term health effects of chronic solvent inhalation are not fully understood.
- Urinary calculi (kidney stones) are a common condition with multifactorial causes.
Observation:
- Three cases of urinary calculi are presented in patients with a history of long-term solvent abuse.
- Patients regularly inhaled lacquer thinner (primarily toluene) or cement (xylene, cyclohexane) for 2-6 years.
- Two patients exhibited proteinuria and hematuria, correlating with solvent sniffing episodes.
Findings:
- Chronic inhalation of solvents like toluene, xylene, and cyclohexane is associated with the development of urolithiasis.
- Proteinuria and hematuria may serve as indicators of solvent-induced renal damage.
- The latency period for developing urolithiasis following solvent abuse can span several years.
Implications:
- Solvent abuse should be considered a potential etiological factor in urolithiasis, especially in younger populations.
- Clinicians should inquire about solvent abuse history in patients presenting with unexplained urinary calculi.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of solvent-induced nephrotoxicity and urolithiasis.