Risk factors for urinary stone

ABSTRACT

Urolithiasis is one of the most common urologic diseases in Korea. The annual incidence of urolithiasis in Korea has increased over time. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors for urolithiasis is essential for patient care and prevention. The purpose of this review was to summarize the recent literature regarding the risk factors for urolithiasis. The available Korean-population-based trials were enrolled in this study. The peak incidence age was the fifth to sixth decades in Korea. There has been a persistent male predominance in the prevalence and incidence of stone disease. The gender gap has continuously narrowed over the world. Climate and seasonal variations, such as temperature and humidity, have a profound effect on the development of urolithiasis. Various dietary factors, including calcium, sodium, animal protein, and oxalate, play an important role in the development of urolithiasis. Dehydration is a wellknown risk factor for stone disease. Many metabolic diseases can affect urolithiasis, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, gout, and metabolic syndrome. The fast-moving super-aged society and global warming can increase stone disease burden in the near future. To prevent and reduce stone diseases, clinicians should understand the risk factors affecting stone formation.