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Study on calcium oxalate monohydrate renal uroliths. III. Composition and density
O Söhnel1, F Grases, L García-Ferragut
1Department of Chemistry, University Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Human kidney stones (calcium oxalate monohydrate) contain struvite and hydroxyapatite, with significant void space. Stone density varies and is not linked to a single factor, suggesting complex formation.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Human kidney stones, specifically calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), are a significant health concern.
- Understanding the mineral composition and physical properties of COM uroliths is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the density and mineral constituent content of human COM uroliths.
- To correlate stone structure with chemical composition and physical properties.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 33 human COM uroliths.
- Determination of mineral constituents (struvite, hydroxyapatite, COM, water) using chemical analysis.
- Measurement of stone density and assessment of internal structure.
Main Results:
- COM constituted 73-96 wt.% of the stones.
- Trace amounts of struvite (0.13-0.42 wt.%) and hydroxyapatite (0.68-4.12 wt.%) were present.
- Unbound water accounted for 3-10 wt.%, and 10-20 wt.% of calculus mass was uncharacterized.
- Stone density ranged from 1.67 to 2.06 g cm⁻³, independent of single parameters.
- Approximately 30% of stone volume was non-crystalline.
- Sedimentary mulberry stones had higher organic matter content.
Conclusions:
- Human COM uroliths exhibit variable density and significant non-crystalline volume.
- The composition includes COM, minor mineral phases, water, and organic matter.
- Stone formation is a complex process influenced by multiple factors, including origin and attachment site.