Kidney stone disease is a common urological condition with a rising worldwide incidence. Although multiple metabolic and lifestyle risk factors have been identified, determinants influencing the age at which symptoms begin remain poorly defined. Understanding factors associated with earlier disease presentation may improve prevention strategies.
This observational cohort study included 546 patients with confirmed nephrolithiasis. Participants were stratified into early-onset (<45 years) and late-onset (≥45 years) groups. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, clinical, urinalysis, and biochemical data were collected. Group comparisons were performed using the Chi-square test. Multivariable linear regression analyses evaluated independent associations between age of onset and clinical, laboratory, and hormonal variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Early-onset disease accounted for 57.1% of cases. Higher body mass index, smoking, functional status, employment, and education level were significantly associated with age of onset (p < 0.001). Several comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, renal impairment, gout, gallstones, and renal cell carcinoma, were inversely associated with age of onset. Regression analyses confirmed younger onset as an independent predictor of hypertension (β = -0.374), diabetes (β = -0.381), heart disease (β = -0.253), renal impairment (β = -0.110), gout (β = -0.120), and gallstones (β = -0.148) (p < 0.05). Urinalysis parameters showed limited associations, with urinary crystals as the only significant predictor (p = 0.012). Elevated serum urea and calcium were independently associated with earlier onsets.
Early-onset nephrolithiasis is strongly associated with metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities and specific biochemical abnormalities. Age of onset may serve as a clinically meaningful marker for risk stratification and targeted preventive interventions.
Research and reports in urology. 2026 May 09*** epublish ***
Adel Alrabadi, Baha Aldeen Alshraideh, Ensaf Y Almomani, Yara Alkayed, Mamoun H Abu-Suaileek, Hamza A Alsougier, Shahd A Etoom, Ahmad Qablan, Zaina Alrabadi
Division of Urology, Department of Special Surgery, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan., Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan., Internal Medicine Department, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan., Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan., Jordanian Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan., Department of Learning and Educational Leadership, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.