Association Between Kidney Stones and Risk of Stroke: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is common and linked to vascular issues.
• Few studies have comprehensively examined the association between kidney stones and stroke risk.
• Understanding this link is crucial for preventative healthcare strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between nephrolithiasis and the risk of stroke.
• To identify specific demographic groups with elevated stroke risk among kidney stone patients.
• To explore the impact of treatment interventions on stroke risk in this population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a large national insurance claim dataset from Taiwan.
• Identified 53,659 patients with renal stones (RS cohort) and matched them with 214,107 controls.
• Conducted a 13-year follow-up to assess stroke incidence.

Main Results:

• Patients with renal stones had a 1.06-fold higher relative stroke risk.
• Younger age groups (20-34 years) showed the highest adjusted stroke risk (1.47-fold).
• Women with renal stones had a 1.12-fold higher stroke risk; those with >4 surgeries faced a 42.5-fold increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Nephrolithiasis is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in younger populations and women.
• Medical or surgical interventions for kidney stones correlate with sustained higher stroke risks.
• Highlights the need for proactive cardiovascular risk management in patients with kidney stones.