Incidence of and Risk Factors for Urinary Stones Among Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

European Urology Open Science, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euros.2024.10.003 · Published: October 3, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Urology Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study reviews previous research on urinary stones in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It aims to find out how common these stones are and what factors increase the risk of developing them. The review found that about 17% of SCI patients develop urinary stones. Men are more likely to develop stones, and using a catheter also increases the risk. The authors conclude that more research is needed to identify other risk factors, especially since early detection and prevention are important for managing urinary stones in SCI patients.

Study Duration

Follow-up varied from 3 mo to 27 yr

Participants

64 059 patients with SCI

Evidence Level

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Key Findings

1
The overall incidence of urinary stones after SCI was found to be 16.6%.
2
Male sex, complete spinal cord injury, and the use of intermittent, indwelling, and condom catheters were identified as independent risk factors for urinary stones.
3
Bladder stones were the most common type of urinary stone observed in SCI patients.

Research Summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for urinary stones in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found a high incidence of urinary stones after SCI (16.6%), with bladder stones being the most common. Male sex, complete injury, and catheter use were identified as significant risk factors. The authors conclude that further high-quality research is needed to explore additional potential risk factors, given the limited and outdated research on this topic.

Practical Implications

Preventative Measures

Highlight the importance of preventative measures, such as regular screening for urinary stones, especially in the bladder, to reduce the disease burden in SCI patients.

Catheterization Strategies

Suggest the use of intermittent catheterization over indwelling catheters when catheterization is unavoidable to reduce the risk of urinary stone formation.

Further Research

Emphasize the need for more high-quality research to investigate additional risk factors for urinary stone formation after SCI to improve targeted prevention strategies.

Study Limitations

1
Significant variability in study types, follow-up duration, and patient characteristics leading to high heterogeneity.
2
Issues related to the representativeness of study populations, patient selection, outcome assessment, and follow-up, reducing evidence quality.
3
Substantial publication bias indicated by the asymmetric funnel plot, reducing the reliability of the meta-analysis results.

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