[Influence of genetic factors on family history of upper urinary stones]

The family history between patients with upper urinary tract stones and healthy subjects was compared to evaluate the possible involvement of genetic factors in obtaining information through a questionnaire. The patients showed a significantly more marked history than the healthy subjects (p < 0.001). In particular, recurrent stone formers showed a significantly more marked history than single stone formers (p < 0.05). Compared with the healthy subjects, a more marked family history was observed in the parents, brothers and sisters, and children, but not in the spouse (p < 0.05-0.005). However, the family history was not affected by consanguineous marriage. A more marked family history was observed in patients with upper urinary tract stones, suggesting the involvement of genetic factors in the development of upper urinary tract stones. In particular, genetic factors seem to be more closely involved in recurrent stone formers.