Clinical Geriatrics - Reviews
Submitted: 2020-01-28
Published: 2018-12-15

Nephrolithiasis in the elderly

Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
Department of Urology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France
Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
Nephrolithiasis Elderly patients Epidemiology Risk factors Treatment

Abstract

Nephrolithiasis is a disease characterized by the presence of crystal concretions in the urinary tract. It is widely
spread worldwide, both in the Western and non-Western countries. Several studies have pointed out a rising
prevalence and incidence of kidney stone disease in the elderly population in the last several decades.
Data from large cohort studies suggest an association between the increased risk of stones formation and
dietary factors such as low fluid intake, low calcium intake, high sodium intake, high animal protein intake,
and high fructose intake. The kidney stones risk may also be increased by medical conditions such as obesity,
diabetes, primary hyperparathyroidism, and gout. Stones may be asymptomatic or may show symptoms such
as abdominal and flank pain, nausea and vomiting, urinary tract obstruction, and infections.
This review aims to outline specific features of nephrolithiasis in the elderly population, including lifestyle, eating habits, hormonal modifications and comorbidities that may affect stone formation. We also assessed the
impact of age on diagnostic and therapeutic pathways. Evidence suggest that age per se should not preclude
standard treatment but should be taken in due account during the decision-making process.

Affiliations

A. Carella

Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy

S. Leo

Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy

B. Infante

Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy

A. Hoznek

Department of Urology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France

G. Grandaliano

Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy

G. Stallone

Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy

Copyright

© Società Italiana di Gerontologia e Geriatria (SIGG) , 2018

How to Cite

[1]
Carella, A., Leo, S., Infante, B., Hoznek, A., Grandaliano, G. and Stallone, G. 2018. Nephrolithiasis in the elderly. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS. 66, 4 (Dec. 2018), 233-238.
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