Renal function in patients with urinary stones of varying compositions

Kidney stones are a potential risk factor for chronic kidney disease. The impact of different urinary stone components on renal function is unknown. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed 1,918 medical records of patients with urolithiasis. The renal function was evaluated as estimated glomerular filtration rate. All the stones were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The patients were divided into five groups according to the stone components. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance. All the patients with stones had Stage 2–3 chronic kidney disease. The patients with uric acid and struvite stones had significantly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate compared with those having other stone components (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the patients with calcium-containing stones (calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate) had significantly better renal function than those with non-calcium-containing stones (struvite and uric acid, p < 0.01). Patients with urolithiasis had decreased renal function, and the impact of renal function varied depending on the stone components. We conclude that stone analysis is important in predicting the change in renal function in patients with urolithiasis. Moreover, the patients with non-calcium-containing stones, such as struvite and uric acid stones, should be carefully evaluated and treated to preserve their renal function.