[Epidemiologic study of complicated urinary calculi: an analysis of 164 cases]

We report a clinical and epidemiological study of 164 cases of complex urinary calculi which were seen in our hospital between 1984 and 1988. The highest incidence was found in patients aged between 40 and 50 years, with a female:male ratio of 1.27/1. In 37% of patients there were first degree relatives with calculi. The most common type were calculi with a calcium component, with a remarkably high proportion of struvite calculi and a low one of uric acid. Housewives had a high rate of struvite calculi associated with infections during pregnancy. Qualified professions have been associated with calcium oxalate and phosphate calculi. 13% has congenital renoureteral malformations, 4% had hyperuricemia and 1.2% had hyperparathyroidism. Pain was the most consistent symptom, followed by fever and urinary tract infection. 50% of patients had previously passed stones. 90% of calculi were visible in the plain abdomen X-ray film. 65% of patients required aggressive therapy.