SNP Shot: Genomic Insights

Kidney stones, also known as renal or urinary stones, are small, solid masses that develop in one or both kidneys. These stones are composed of minerals and other substances present in urine and can vary significantly in size, shape, and color. To be eliminated from the body, these stones must travel through the ureters, the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder, and then be excreted. The time it takes for a kidney stone to pass can range from several days to several weeks, depending on its size.

The presence of kidney stones can lead to abdominal or back pain, a condition known as renal colic. Renal colic often starts intermittently but can progress to constant pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The location of the pain may shift as the stone moves through the urinary system. While smaller stones might pass with minimal discomfort, larger stones can obstruct urine flow and compromise kidney function. Other potential consequences include blood in the urine (hematuria) and kidney or urinary tract infections. Medical intervention might be necessary to remove very large or difficult-to-pass stones.

Kidney stones are classified into four main types based on their composition, although numerous types exist. Calcium-based stones are the most prevalent, accounting for up to 75% of all kidney stones. Other types include uric acid stones (formed from a normal waste product), cystine stones (composed of a protein building block), and struvite stones (made of a phosphate mineral). Stone formation occurs when the urine contains an excessive amount of a particular substance that exceeds its solubility. This imbalance can arise from an increase in the substance's concentration in the urine, a decrease in the volume of liquid urine, or a combination of both factors.

Kidney stones are most common between the ages of 40 and 60, although they can occur at any age. Studies indicate that 35 to 50 percent of individuals who experience a kidney stone will develop additional stones, typically within a decade of the first occurrence.

Inheritance:

The pattern of inheritance for kidney stones is not fully understood. However, the risk of developing kidney stones is elevated for individuals with a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) who also has the condition, compared to the general population.