Association of Impaired Renal Function With Changes in Urinary Mineral Excretion and Stone Composition

To investigate the effect of kidney function on stone composition and urinary mineral excretion in patients undergoing surgical intervention for nephrolithiasis.

Using our institutional kidney stone database, we performed a retrospective review of stone patients who underwent surgical intervention between 2004 and 2015. Patients' demographic information, 24-hour urinary mineral excretion, and stone characteristics were reported. The patients' estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were compared with their stone compositions and 24-hour urine mineral excretions.

A statistically significant difference was noted between the groups, with uric acid stones being associated with lower eGFR and calcium phosphate stones associated with higher eGFR. No relationship could be demonstrated between eGFR and calcium oxalate or struvite stones. Patients with lower eGFR also demonstrated a statistically significant association with lower urinary pH as well as lower urinary excretion of calcium and citrate.

While various factors have been found to play significant roles in kidney stone formation and composition, our findings demonstrate a definite relationship between these and renal function. This paper highlights the fact that renal function evaluation should be considered an important component in the evaluation, counseling, and management of patients with nephrolithiasis.