Presented by: Belén Giménez MD
Urology Department, Universidad de Chile, Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán

Introduction

Urolithiasis present a high degree of recurrence, significantly affecting the quality of life of patients. Its occurrence has been associated with dietary habits. The objective of this study was to describe the water and salt consumption habits in relation to the risk of developing urolithiasis in a population of Chilean patients.

Materials

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. A comprehensive questionnaire was implemented to collect data from patients over 18 years of age, healthy or that had been diagnosed with kidney stones in the last 12 months, as part of a machine learning project to predict risk of urolithiasis through artificial intelligence. Information included demographic data, medical history, dietary and occupational habits, as well as laboratory test results. Data related to hydration (exposure to high temperatures, sensation of thirst, hours without water, amount of water consumed per day, and urine color) and salt consumption were evaluated to determine the degree of risk of stone development. The data was analyzed using SPSS for logistic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

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Data from 958 patients (46.9% female and 53.1% male) with a mean age of 47 years were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis indicated that not experiencing thirst during the day (OR=0.645; CI 0.421-0.989) and not going more than 4 hours without drinking water (OR=0.048; CI 0.007-0.351) are protective factors for the development of urolithiasis. On the other hand, it was found that dark urine color (OR=1.321; CI 1.132-1.541) and consumption of salt close to half a teaspoon per day (OR=2.873; CI 1.076-7.671) are risk factors for the development of urolithiasis. A significant portion of the respondents reported going more than 4 hours without drinking water and experiencing thirst, despite not being exposed to high temperatures.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that certain factors related to water and salt consumption are associated with the risk of developing urolithiasis in a Chilean population. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining proper hydration and controlling salt intake to prevent urolithiasis, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education to promote healthier habits and improve the quality of life for individuals at risk of urolithiasis in Chile.

Funding

None

Lead Authors

Juan Fulla, MD, MsC
Universidad de Chile

Co-Authors

Nicolás Urnía, Medical Intern
Universidad del Desarrollo

Vicente Cornejo, Medical Intern
Universidad de Chile

Pablo Chamorro, Medical Intern
Universidad de Chile

Pablo Mardones, Medical Intern
Universidad de Chile

Tomás Gatica, MD
Universidad Finis Terrae

Catherine Sanchez, DVM, PhD
Clinica las Condes