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Association between asymptomatic hyperuricemia and kidney stones
Jun Ho Lee1, Suzy Park2, Nuri Oh3
1Department of Urology, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Plos One
|May 26, 2026
Summary
High serum uric acid levels are linked to kidney stones in men, but not women. This study of over 31,000 adults highlights sex-specific differences in stone risk associated with hyperuricemia.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Urology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) is common in gout patients.
- The link between asymptomatic hyperuricemia and stone formation is not well understood.
- This study investigates serum uric acid and nephrolithiasis in a large health screening cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between serum uric acid levels and nephrolithiasis.
- To explore potential sex-specific differences in this association.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 31,198 Korean adults (2010-2020).
- Clinical parameters included serum uric acid, renal function, and other biomarkers.
- Nephrolithiasis defined as renal stones ≥5mm by imaging; logistic regression models used.
Main Results:
- Median serum uric acid: 6.0 mg/dL (men), 4.4 mg/dL (women).
- Higher serum uric acid significantly associated with nephrolithiasis in men (OR: 3.546 in highest quartile).
- No significant association found between serum uric acid and nephrolithiasis in women.
Conclusions:
- Elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with kidney stone prevalence in men.
- No significant association was observed in women, suggesting sex-specific differences.
- Further prospective studies are needed to confirm causality and clinical implications.
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