A case-control study on environmental and biological risk factors for renal calculi persisting in a coastal Union Territory, India

Risk Factors of Kidney Stones in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Renal calculi, commonly known as kidney stones, affect approximately 12% of the global population, often resulting in mild to severe pain and complications such as infection and renal failure. The causes are multifactorial, involving lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, and various medical conditions. Despite advancements in treatment, the incidence of kidney stones is on the rise, especially in regions like Asia's stone belt, which includes Pakistan as well. This study investigates the risk factors associated with kidney stones in patients at the Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, with the goal of informing healthcare policymakers and educating patients to reduce the prevalence and economic burden of the disease in the region. Methods Over a four-month period, 173 patients admitted to the department with confirmed urolithiasis were recruited using a consensus sampling technique. Inclusion criteria were adults aged 18 or older residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, incomplete medical records, secondary causes of renal stones, and unwillingness to participate. Data on socio-demographic factors, clinical history, and lifestyle habits were collected through structured interviews. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS software version 23 (IBM Inc, Armonk, New York). Results The study findings indicate that kidney stones were notably prevalent among patients aged 31 to 45 years, with 85 cases identified, comprising 49.1% of the study participants. Furthermore, a significant proportion of affected individuals were males, accounting for 94 cases (54.3%). Those with primary schooling or lower education comprised 106 cases (61.3%), and 124 individuals (71.7%) had lower socioeconomic status. Overweight individuals constituted 81 cases (45.8%) of the total. The study also found a considerable prevalence among residents of rural areas, with 128 cases identified (74.0%). Additionally, 104 cases (60.1%) had a personal history of renal stones. Insufficient water intake was prevalent among 122 individuals (70.5%), while daily consumers of more than one cup of tea also exhibited a higher prevalence, with 97 cases identified (56.1%). Lastly, individuals with a high sodium diet were notably affected, with 112 cases (64.7%) recorded. Conclusion In summary, individuals aged 31-45, males, those residing in rural areas, with lower educational and socioeconomic status, insufficient water intake, a diet high in sodium, personal history of kidney stones, and overweight are at higher risk of urolithiasis. Public education on preventive measures is essential to decrease the incidence of kidney stones and enhance quality of life.

Prevalence and associated factors for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in adults in the PERSIAN Guilan cohort study (PGCS)

Although hematuria is not life-threatening, some could be the result of a more severe condition. Our objectives are to report on the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria (AMH) in the prospective epidemiological research studies of the Iranian adults (PERSIAN) Guilan cohort study (PGCS) population. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2014 to 2017 and consisted of 10,520 individuals aged 35-70. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire during a face-to-face interview. The urine analyses (UA) were done up to 2 h after sample collection. Based on a urine microscopy evaluation, AMH is defined as 3 or more red blood cells per high power field (HPF). Simple and multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore factors associated with AMH. The prevalence of AMH in this study was 34.1% and was more prevalent in participants of older ages and female gender as well as those with low educational level, underweight-body mass index (BMI), high physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and kidney stone disease. On the other hand, obesity, opium, and diabetes decreased the likelihood of AMH. The results of the present study shed light on the prevalence and risk factors of AMH and suggested that a significant portion of the study population is affected by AMH. Considering the lack of consensus on a definite clinical guideline for AMH in our country, the results of the present study could be used to design a unit algorithm for screening and therapy of AMH.

Factors Associated With Urolithiasis: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Urolithiasis is a common preventable ailment. Previous studies showed that there are a lot of factors, such as dietary, health and environmental factors, which are likely to develop this condition. Only a few research have been conducted on urolithiasis in the UAE. Therefore, our study aimed to identify the factors associated with urolithiasis in the country, identify the symptoms of urolithiasis among the cases and identify the most common diagnostic methods.

METHODOLOGY

It was a case-control study design. The study population was adults above 18 years attending a tertiary care centre. Those who have confirmed diagnosis of urolithiasis and gave informed consent were considered cases and those who have not confirmed diagnosis of urolithiasis as controls. Patients with renal, bladder or urinary tract impairment or anomaly were excluded from the study. Ethical approval was obtained for the study.

RESULTS

Crude odds ratio (OR) showed that age, gender, past treatment for urinary stones, and lifestyle factors such as diet and smoking are risk factors while exercising is a protective factor. Age-adjusted OR found that past treatment for the urinary disease (OR=10.4), consumption of oily food (OR=11.5), consumption of fast food (OR=11.0) and consumption of energy drinks (OR=5.9) were the significant risk factors for urolithiasis.

CONCLUSION

We found that past urinary disease treatment and diet are vital in developing urinary stones. Higher consumption of salty, oily, sugary and protein foods increases the odds of urinary diseases. Public awareness programs are essential to educating people about urolithiasis risk factors and preventive measures.

Risk Factors of Nephrolithiasis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rawalpindi: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Nephrolithiasis (renal stones) is the most common urological disease. Its prevalence is high in every part of the world. Several factors lead to renal stone formation. In Pakistan, nephrolithiasis prevalence is also high as Pakistan is located in a region which is known as the salt belt. However, nephrolithiasis and its possible risk factors are under-researched in Pakistan.

Objective

This study aims to identify the risk factors for nephrolithiasis among admitted patients with renal stones. This may lead to a reduction in renal stone incidence and its allied complications by the prevention of risk factors that would have a major role in renal stone formation.

Material and methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among the 143 admitted patients with renal stones in the urology ward of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, for approximately six months from November 2021 to April 2022. Non-probability convenient sampling and developed inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for the recruitment of patients. After elaborating on the objectives, the study data were collected by interviewers through a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

Results

Nephrolithiasis was more prevalent among patients who had an age group range of 15-30 years (47.55%), male gender (56.65%), illiterate educational status (53.14%), lower socioeconomic status (66.43%), inadequate intake of water (61.53%), used tap water (56.64%), a habit of daily vegetable intake (65.04%), sedentary lifestyle (51.74%), family history of renal stones (57.34%), no diabetes mellitus (62.94%), no hypertension (52.45%), and overweight (48.23%).

Conclusion

In brief, the age group of 15-30 years, male gender, illiteracy, lower socioeconomic status, insufficient water intake, tap water, high vegetables, inactive lifestyle, family history of nephrolithiasis, and a high BMI all increase the risk of nephrolithiasis.