Introduction: Urinary stone disease is one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. However, the main risk factors and chemical composition of urinary stones in the population of the Azores are unknown. The objective of this study
was to define the most important factors associated with the
formation of urinary calculi, investigating eating habits, family
history and chemical composition of the calculi in the population of the Azores.
Methods: The data were collected from 46 patients of the
Hospital do Divino Espirito Santo and 48 healthy volunteers. A
questionnaire was recorded on the medical and family history
of the participants and on their life habits. The chemical composition of the calculi was evaluated by ICP-MS.
Results: It was observed that the study group has a higher
prevalence of diabetes and cases of urinary calculi in the
family compared to the reference group. A positive correlation
was found between calcium in the stones and the contents of
sodium, magnesium, zinc, molybdenum and strontium.
Conclusion: This study reveals that family history, diabetes
and water consumption play an important role in the development of urinary calculi in the population of the Azores. The
chemical content of the stones should also be considered
since these data could help the medical community to understand the causes of urinary stone formation and adapt the
medication and preventive measures to the patient and to the
type of kidney stone produced.