[Urinary stones and bowel diseases: Systematic review]

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Gastroenterology
• Urology

Background:

• Digestive pathologies are increasingly recognized as a significant factor in the development of urinary stone disease.
• The intestinal flora plays a crucial role in metabolizing substances that can influence stone formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the complex relationship between various bowel diseases and the formation of urinary stones (urolithiasis).
• To identify the specific types of urinary stones associated with digestive pathologies and the underlying mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic review of the literature was conducted using major medical databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane).
• Keywords included "urinary stones," "urolithiasis," "bowel," "enteric," and "digestive" to ensure broad coverage.
• Literature selection prioritized evidence-based and clinically relevant studies.

Main Results:

• Fifty-three articles were included in the review, highlighting three main types of urolithiasis linked to digestive issues: calcium oxalate, uric acid, and ammonium acid urate stones.
• Bowel pathologies contributing to stone disease encompass small bowel conditions, colonic lesions, and the absence of oxalate-degrading bacteria like Oxalobacter formigenes.
• These conditions can lead to metabolic disturbances such as decreased urine output, altered urine pH, hyperoxaluria, hypocitraturia, and hypomagnesuria.

Conclusions:

• Bowel diseases are a significant, often overlooked, cause of urolithiasis.
• Understanding the specific mechanisms and conducting thorough metabolic evaluations are essential for preventing stone recurrence.
• Management strategies involve increased fluid intake, targeted supplementation, and dietary modifications.