Composition, microstructure and element study of urinary calculi

To better understand the basis of urinary calculi formation, we studied the composition, microstructure, and element analysis of different types of urinary calculi. Sixty people with urinary stones in Shanxi province were selected randomly. The composition of urinary stones was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The microstructure of material components was observed by a scanning electron microscopy and the elemental distribution and composition were analyzed by an X-ray energy spectrometer. Furthermore, general information, BMI, history of medicine, chronic medical history, family history, and recurrence rates were collected. Female-to-male ratio was 1:2.5; median age was 43.2 years old. Of the patients, 13.3% were found definite family history and 46.6% of patients for recurrence history. It was found that mixed stones account for the largest proportion (65%), followed by calcium oxalate monohydrate calculi (26.67%). In mixed stones, the mixture of calcium oxalate monohydrate and hydroxyapatite had the largest proportion, accounting for 71.79%. Stones showed different microcosmic characteristics and element distribution. Stones varied widely in distribution, infrared spectrum, microstructure, and element composition, which provided an important basis for urinary calculi research regarding urinary stone formation.