What the study found
The study found that urolithiasis, or urinary stone disease, had similar prevalence across different areas of Europe and appeared lower in Latin America than in Europe. The authors also report that prevalence in Europe has remained stable over the last 20 years.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say a review of prevalence and incidence across regions is important because urolithiasis epidemiology may vary with geographical and environmental factors. The study suggests that comparing regions can help clarify how common the condition is in different populations.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies on the prevalence and incidence of urinary calculi in Europe and Latin America. They searched EMBASE and PubMed for studies from January 1, 1981 to February 28, 2026, and included children and adults with population-based estimates.
What worked and what didn't
For Europe, the pooled prevalence of kidney stones was 7.2%, with similar estimates in Southern/Mediterranean/Balkan Europe and Central/Northern Europe. The meta-regression did not detect a difference between Northern and Southern Europe or between studies published before and after 2000. In Latin America, the pooled prevalence was 6.02%, and incidence values were highly variable; in three pediatric studies, incidence ranged from 1.8 to 6.5 cases per year per 100,000 inhabitants.
What to keep in mind
The study reports considerable heterogeneity in both Europe and Latin America, and the overall risk of bias was low to moderate. The abstract also notes that incidence values vary strongly depending on study design and the populations studied, so incidence findings are less directly comparable across studies.
Key points
- Pooled kidney stone prevalence in Europe was 7.2%.
- Prevalence estimates were similar across different European regions and did not differ detectably by publication period.
- Pooled kidney stone prevalence in Latin America was 6.02%, which the authors say appears lower than Europe.
- Incidence estimates were highly variable; three pediatric studies reported 1.8 to 6.5 cases per year per 100,000 inhabitants.
- The review found considerable heterogeneity and a low to moderate overall risk of bias.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Urolithiasis prevalence is similar across Europe and lower in Latin America
- Authors:
- Alberto Trinchieri, Gianpaolo Perletti, Kamran Hassan Bhatti, Vittorio Magri, Kostantinos Stamatiou
- Institutions:
- Robert Bosch (United States), University of Insubria, Hamad Medical Corporation, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Tzaneion General Hospital
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-31
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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