Risk Factors for Renal Stone Formation: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Renal stone disease is increasingly associated with metabolic syndrome and its components. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between metabolic risk factors and renal stone formation in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, and Iraq. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted between November 2023 and January 2026 in three tertiary hospitals (Teaching Hospital, Shar Hospital, and Al-Rahma Hospital). A total of 200 participants were enrolled (100 cases with renal stones confirmed by imaging and 100 controls without stones). Data collection included demographic details, family history, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and diabetes status. Anthropometric measurements were performed by physicians. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs). Results: Male gender (69.1% vs. 30.9%, p < 0.001), positive family history (59.1% vs. 40.9%, P = 0.003), diabetes mellitus (23% vs. 6%, OR = 4.68, 95% Cl: 1.81-12.07, p < 0.001), hypertension 20% vs. 8%, OR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.20-6.88, p = 0.014), and central obesity measured by waist circumference (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with renal stone formation. BMI categories were not statistically significant. Conclusion:Renal stone disease in this population is strongly associated with metabolic risk factors, particularly diabetes, hypertension, and central obesity, as well as male gender and family history. Larger studies with detailed stone composition analysis are recommended to confirm these findings.