Lithogenic risk factors in the urine of black and white subjects

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Abstract
To identify biochemical and dietary factors which may play a role in the low incidence of stone formation in the black South African population. The study included 31 semi-urbanized black and 29 urbanized white subjects. The protocol and modern laboratory techniques used to assess recurrent stone formers were followed. Urinary sodium, potassium, creatinine, calcium, phosphate and urate levels were measured, and urinary citrate, oxalate and cystine assessed. Black subjects ate a diet significantly higher in sodium (PPPP<0.03 for cystine). Certain intrinsic factors in South African black subjects may account for their lower frequency of stone formation than in white subjects. Of these, the very low urinary calcium, decreased urinary cystine and different interactions between sodium and calcium/cystine are probably important.