Sonographic Assessment of Urolithiasis in University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Urolithiasis may result in many complications including renal failure. There is a paucity of documented scientific study on the prevalence of urolithiasis in the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital within the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of urolithiasis in patients undergoing ultrasound at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study which adopted a survey approach was conducted at the Department of Radiology, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital between June 2014 and May 2015. A total of 2310 patients that underwent abdominopelvic ultrasound in the department who aged between 2 and 64 years and met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. They were recruited using a convenience (nonprobability) sampling technique. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and analyzed using Student's t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 2310 patients were scanned, 31 patients were sonographically identified with urolithiasis. The prevalence of urolithiasis was 13.4/1000. The mean age was 31.12 ± 3.69 years. There were 58.06% males and 41.93% females giving a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. The peak age of incidence was 21–50 years. Majority (22 [71%]) were located in the upper urinary tract, whereas 9 (27%) were in the lower urinary tract. The most common presenting symptoms were flank/loin pains (renal colic) noted in 12 (40%) patients, followed by hematuria in 4 (13.3%) patients. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of urolithiasis was 13.4/1000. This information can be utilized in formulating future health plans for prevention of urolithiasis in the hospitals within this locality.