Renal stone disease in Christchurch, New Zealand. Part 1: presentation and epidemiology.
OBJECTIVE
To document the modes of presentation and the epidemiology of radiologically diagnosed renal stone disease over a 1-year period in the region of Christchurch, New Zealand.


METHODS
Data on the presentation and epidemiology of renal stone disease was prospectively collected in a 1-year cohort of patients who had a new radiological diagnosis of renal stone disease.


RESULTS
The incidence of new renal stone diagnoses was 105 per 100,000 per annum. Renal stone disease was more common in men than women, most common in the three decades from 30 to 59 years, and more common in people in trades or machine operating jobs. There was no significant difference in incidence by ethnicity or season. 58% of people presented with stones located in the ureter. Renal stones tended to be larger and were more likely to present incidentally or with haematuria, whilst ureteric stones were smaller and presented more typically with pain. 33% had a personal history of previous renal stone episodes and 20% had a family history of previous stones.


CONCLUSIONS
Kidney stone disease is a significant health condition that affects people of predominantly working ages and men more than women. Both personal and family history are significant risk factors. Patients presenting with pain are more likely to have stones located in the ureter. Renal stones are more likely to present with haematuria or incidentally.
Davidson
Peter J
PJ
CURT Medical Trials Trust, St Georges Medical Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand. research@urology.co.nz
Sheerin
Ian G
IG
Frampton
Chris
C
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D009790:Occupations; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors