Metabolic evaluation of first-time uncomplicated renal stone formers: A prospective study

BACKGROUND: Nephrolithiasis is a global health problem. The recurrence rate after the first stone clearance is approximately 50% at 5 years. Metabolic abnormalities are an important factor responsible for stone recurrence. Our prevalidated study aimed to evaluate metabolic abnormalities associated with first-time uncomplicated renal stone formers (FTURSF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, exploratory, time-bound, descriptive study, 30 first-time renal stone formers were evaluated for metabolic abnormalities. High-risk stone formers were excluded from the study. Data were collected in a predefined proforma, transferred to an Excel sheet, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20 and Epi Info 7. Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, paired t test, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 35.57 ± 11.07 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.72. The most common abnormality was a 24-hour urine volume of <2.5 L in 73.33% of the participants. One or more metabolic abnormalities were detected in 76.67% of the participants. Other common metabolic abnormalities detected were hypocitraturia (60%), hypercalciuria (16.67%), hyperoxaluria (13.33%), and hyperuricosuria (3.33%). Parathyroid adenoma was detected in one participant (3.33%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study documented significant metabolic abnormalities in FTURSF. Therefore, a simplified metabolic evaluation protocol should be adopted while evaluating FTURSF. Detection of an underlying metabolic abnormality would enable the early institution of preventive measures to reduce stone recurrence and related complications.