Etiology and Consequences of Kidney Stones

Abstract

The prevalence of kidney stones is on the rise worldwide. The purpose of this review is to discuss the etiology and consequences of kidney stones. Kidney stones affect people of all ages, genders, and nationalities. Kidney stones come in several types and can develop from various factors. When a person develops a kidney stone they have a 50% chance of developing another kidney stone within their lifetime. Kidney stones can negatively affect a person’s body and are associated with chronic kidney disease, bone loss and fractures, increased risk of coronary artery disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. Dietary changes may be necessary for some patients. Patients with reoccurring kidney stones should be offered an individualized dietary intervention. Making simple adjustments in calcium, oxalate, protein, and sodium intake can go a long way in helping prevent stones. Although much has been learned about kidney stones, there are many questions that still need to be answered such as: why is the recurrence rate so high, why are people getting them at a younger age and why are more people developing them than ever before?