People who have had kidney stones are more than twice as likely to have organ failure that will require dialysis or a transplant later in life, according to new research by University of Alberta scientists.
Their study, published in the British Medical Journal, is based on an analysis of more than 3 million people tracked over an 11-year period (from 1997 to 2009).
The results not only showed a history of kidney stones significantly raises the risk of serious organ problems, but also that women under the age of 50 who have had the painful condition are four times as likely to later develop kidney failure.
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"I think what these results tell me, is that we should be screening those with a history of kidney stones for risk factors for the development of kidney disease," said lead researcher Todd Alexander. "I am not surprised by these findings because when you are passing a stone through a kidney, there is definitely the potential for permanent damage."
Researchers noted 10-11 percent of Americans develop kidney stones, and about half have a reoccurrence.
"It's important to note that the vast majority of people with kidney stones won't develop permanent kidney damage," noted co-researcher Marcello Tonelli. "But a few will, and that's why it's important for people with stones to get proper follow-up care – to reduce their risk of another stone, and to detect kidney damage if it has occurred."
Experts noted the risk of developing stones can be reduced by cutting sodium intake, drinking more water and, if needed, taking certain medication.
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