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Development of Nephrolithiasis in Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia: A Cohort Study
Seolhye Kim1, Yoosoo Chang2, Kyung Eun Yun1
1Center for Cohort Studies, Total Healthcare Center, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Summary
Asymptomatic hyperuricemia, indicated by elevated serum uric acid levels, is linked to a higher risk of developing kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) in men. This association shows a dose-response relationship, meaning higher uric acid levels correlate with increased risk.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Urology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The link between gout and kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) is established.
- The relationship between asymptomatic hyperuricemia and nephrolithiasis risk is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between asymptomatic hyperuricemia and the development of nephrolithiasis.
- To determine if serum uric acid levels predict nephrolithiasis risk in a large cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 239,331 Korean adults followed from 2002 to 2014.
- Serum uric acid levels were measured at baseline.
- Nephrolithiasis was diagnosed via ultrasonography.
- A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess risk.
Main Results:
- Over 1.18 million person-years, 18,777 cases of nephrolithiasis occurred.
- Elevated serum uric acid levels were significantly associated with increased nephrolithiasis risk in men (P for trend < 0.001).
- A dose-response relationship was observed in men, with higher uric acid levels correlating to greater risk, but this was not seen in women.
Conclusions:
- Increased serum uric acid levels are independently associated with a higher risk of developing nephrolithiasis in apparently healthy men.
- The association demonstrates a dose-response pattern.
- Further research may be needed to explore sex-specific differences and underlying mechanisms.