Seasonal variation in the incidence of acute renal colic

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a prevalent medical disease affecting the general population. Many epidemiological studies reported an association between a geographic area with a high mean daily temperature and urolithiasis disease. However, it is unclear if the seasonal variation in a high temperature geographical area will affect the acute presentation of renal colic to the emergency department. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of the seasonal variation on the presentation with acute urolithiasis disease. The design was a retrospective chart review, using the database in King Abdulaziz Medical City that was retrieved by the data management office in King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study period was from January 26, 2016, to the end of December 2019. All patients who presented with renal colic, and diagnosed with urolithiasis using a noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography scan, have been included. A total of 1057 patients were included in this study. The majority (71.24%, n = 753) were male, and the mean age was 42.33 ± 16.12 years. The highest proportion presented in summer (31.22%), followed by spring (26.87%), fall (24.12%), and winter (17.79%). The majority of the sample (84.77%) presented with ureteral stones, and 15.23%with kidney stones. Most of the sample (78.33%) had no history of previous stone formation, with 21.67% being current stone former. The acute presentation with urolithiasis is higher during summer, followed by spring, fall, and winter. A public educational program is highly recommended to increase awareness about stone formation and the appropriate avoidance methods. To this end, additional research is required to understand the stone composition and appropriate methods to avoid developing urolithiasis.