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Urolithiasis through the ages: data on more than 200,000 urinary stone analyses
Thomas Knoll1, Anne B Schubert, Dirk Fahlenkamp
1Department of Urology, Sindelfingen-Boeblingen Medical Center, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. t.knoll@klinikverbund-suedwest.de
The Journal of Urology
|February 22, 2011
Summary
Urinary stone (urolithiasis) analysis shows increasing male prevalence and shifts in age distribution. Regional variations in stone composition highlight the impact of lifestyle and healthcare on stone formation.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Urolithiasis incidence and prevalence are rising globally.
- Observed changes in patient demographics and regional stone patterns necessitate updated analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in urinary stone composition, and age and gender distributions.
- To identify regional variations in stone formation across Germany.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of 224,085 urinary stone analyses from 22 German centers (1977–2006).
- Analysis of a subset of 58,682 stone analyses (1993–2006) for regional differences.
Main Results:
- Calcium calculi were most common; male-to-female ratio increased from 1.86:1 to 2.7:1.
- Increasing incidence noted in middle-aged patients (40–49 years) since 1997.
- Infection stones decreased, uric acid stones remained stable, and cystine stones were rare. Regional variations in uric acid and infection stones were observed.
Conclusions:
- Age and gender significantly influence urinary stone formation and composition.
- Regional differences underscore the impact of lifestyle, diet, and medical care on urolithiasis.
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