Metabolic syndrome and urolithiasis

Lithiasis of the urinary tract is nowadays recognized as a significant health care issue, affecting millions of people worldwide and resulting in hospital admissions, medication prescription, elaborate surgical treatment and loss of working hours. It is a multifactorial disease influenced by lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors, amongst others. The recently discovered association between the metabolic syndrome and nephrolithiasis represents another breakthrough in understanding stone disease and risk factors. A comprehensive analysis of the pathophysiology and the latest developments in research will be presented, as well as preventative and treatment options that can be employed in this special group of patients.