Nephrolithiasis - risk factors, prevention, diagnostic and treatment problem of the 21st century - review of the literature

Abstract

Worldwide, the incidence of kidney stones is increasing rapidly. This relationship is also noticeable with age. Its occurrence is associated with chronic kidney disease. This work aims to present diagnostic processes and prevention in nephrolithiasis. In the search for papers in this review, we based on the PubMed database. The literature we considered was limited to the years 2000-2023, with the use of key words in English: "kidney stones", "kidney stone prevention", "kidney stones kidney stone treatment", "kidney stones risk factors", "kidney stones diagnosis". The research encompassed original, review, and meta-analyses articles. A daily urinalysis is used to provide information about the factors that make up the calculus. In preventing calcium oxalate, cystine, or uric acid stones formation, urine alkalization via a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, vitamin C supplementation, and drinking water are essential. However, the urine should be acidified to prevent the formation of calcium phosphate or struvite stones. Antibiotics, protease inhibitors, and certain diuretics cause the risk of kidney stones. An analogous effect may occur in the case of obesity or weight loss associated with laxative misuse, rapid depletion of muscle tissue, or inadequate hydration. Increasing public awareness of nephrolithiasis and the possible preventive measures can effectively reduce incidents of renal colic attacks. Knowledge of risk factors and increased availability of diagnostics may reduce the incidence of kidney stones.