Urinary calculous disease in Southeast Asian immigrants

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Public Health
• Immigration Health

Background:

• Urinary tract stones pose a significant health burden.
• Recent immigrants may present unique challenges in diagnosis and management.
• Southeast Asian populations have diverse health profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of urinary tract stones in recent immigrants from Southeast Asia.
• To compare diagnostic accuracy, stone size, and treatment modalities between Southeast Asian immigrants and other patients.
• To raise awareness of urinary calculi as a potential cause of symptoms in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of hospital admissions for urinary tract stones.
• Comparison of diagnostic success rates between immigrant and non-immigrant patient groups.
• Evaluation of stone size and surgical intervention rates.

Main Results:

• 39 of 149 (26%) admissions for urinary tract stones were in recent Southeast Asian immigrants.
• Presumptive diagnosis was significantly lower in Southeast Asian immigrants (19%) versus others (60%).
• Calculi were larger and required surgical intervention more frequently in Southeast Asian immigrants.

Conclusions:

• Urinary stones are a notable health issue among recent Southeast Asian immigrants.
• Delayed diagnosis and more severe presentations are characteristic in this group.
• Clinicians should consider urinary calculi in Southeast Asian immigrants presenting with abdominal or urinary tract complaints.