Presented by: Conner Brown MD
Hadassah Medical Center

Introduction

Nephrolithiasis prevalence varies geographically due to differences in climate, diet, and lifestyle. Arid regions are known to have higher rates of nephrolithiasis due to the high temperatures, low humidity, and low water intake. We aim to review the rates of nephrolithiasis in arid and semi-arid regions.

Materials

A search was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles published between 2010 to 2022 that contained the following terms: "nephrolithiasis," "kidney stones," "arid regions," "prevalence," and "incidence." Studies reporting the prevalence or incidence of nephrolithiasis in arid regions were included in this review.

Results

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We selected 15 articles reporting on the rates of nephrolithiasis in arid regions. These studies were conducted in different arid regions worldwide, including the Middle East, North Africa, Australia, the Mediterranean, and the Southwestern United States. The prevalence rates of nephrolithiasis in these regions ranged from 5% to 20%, with higher rates observed in males and the elderly. This is compared to the reported prevalence rates in more temperate regions of 10% or less. The incidence rates of nephrolithiasis also varied, with higher rates reported during the summer months and in individuals with a prior history of nephrolithiasis.

Conclusion

This review highlights the high rates of nephrolithiasis in arid regions, which can be attributed to various environmental factors and lifestyle habits. Awareness campaigns promoting proper hydration and dietary modifications may help reduce the incidence and prevalence of this condition in these regions as the decreased productivity and increased healthcare cost represent a sizable burden upon the healthcare system.

Funding

None

Co-Authors

Mordechai Duvdevani, MD
Hadassah Medical Center