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Crystalluria and its possible significance. A patient-control study
1Department of Urology, King Abdel-Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Crystalluria, the presence of crystals in urine, is more common in urolithiasis patients. Stored urine samples reveal distinct crystal aggregates in stone formers, aiding in disease evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- The diagnostic and prognostic value of crystalluria in urolithiasis is debated.
- Standard urolithiasis work-up often lacks detailed crystalluria analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and characteristics of crystalluria in urolithiasis patients compared to controls.
- To assess the impact of urine sample storage on crystalluria detection.
Main Methods:
- Urine microscopy was performed on fresh and stored (6 and 24 hours) samples from 140 urolithiasis patients and 42 controls.
- Standard clinical and biochemical evaluations for urolithiasis were conducted.
- Analysis included crystal presence, frequency, and aggregation, alongside urine pH.
Main Results:
- Crystalluria was detected more frequently in patients (9.3%) than controls (2%) in fresh samples.
- Storing samples for 24 hours significantly increased crystalluria detection in patients (27.1%) vs. controls (12%).
- Calcium oxalate crystals formed aggregates in patient samples but not in controls, irrespective of storage time.
Conclusions:
- Crystalluria detection is enhanced in stored urine samples, particularly in urolithiasis patients.
- Distinctive crystal aggregation in patients suggests altered urine physico-chemical properties.
- Crystalluria analysis, especially with stored samples, may aid in urolithiasis evaluation and management.