Analysis of chemical composition of urinary calculi from Northern border area of Saudi Arabia.

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of urinary calculi in people living in the northern border area of Saudi Arabia and to formulate suggestions for prevention of renal stones. Urinary stones were obtained from patients attending the Urology Departments of Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Musaad Hospital and Central Hospital, Arar, Saudi Arabia. Stones were analyzed using kit for semi-quantitative colorimetric determination of carbonate, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, oxalate, phosphate, uric acid and cysteine; manufactured by LTA s.r.l. Milano 15/F, 20060 Bussero (Milano), Italy. From a total of 55 urinary stones, 49 (89%) were retrieved from males, while 6 (11%) from females. Ages of patients ranged from 15 to 75 years with the mean of 50.22}14.46 and majority of patients were between 31-50 years (69.08%). Most of the patients were overweight (70.91 %) in both the genders. Calcium oxalate stones were 60%, uric acid 18.18% and calcium phosphate 10.90%, while other forms of stones were scarce. It is concluded that upper urinary tract stones were predominant, comprising mostly of calcium oxalate and urate, which could be prevented by control of obesity; moderate intake of meat, dairy products, fruit vegetables (with minimal oxalates); and plenty of fluids.