He presented the recent studies that indicate the link between atherosclerosis and kidney stones, hypertension and diabetes. The Nurses Health Study self-reported stone odds were 2x higher with metabolic syndrome. Stone risk is related to BMI >30 and waist circumference >43 ins. Metabolic factors for stone (uric acid and oxalate) formation include low urine pH, increased calcium and oxalate excretion. An intake high in sodium and animal protein and ingestion of glucose and sucrose can increase calcium excretion. Insulin increases the excretion of calcium. There is also a positive correlation between oxalate excretion and BMI which relates to diabetes.
He concluded that there is a relationship between kidney stone formation and cardiovascular risk. Urologists need to ensure patients who present with stones in the GU tact are aware of this and that lifestyle changes (e.g. change in diet) are recommended.
Presented by Dean G. Assimos, MD at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting - May 14 - 19, 2011 - Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC USA
Reported for UroToday by Diane K. Newman, RNC, MSN, CRNP, FAAN and Continence Nurse Practitioner Specialist - University of Pennsylvania Medical Center.
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