The optimal choice for stone analysis.

A complete investigation of urinary stone components could help to effectively evaluate and treat pathologies, and prevent recurrence. The choice of the most effective technique to use is not simple and depends on the type of sample analysed, cost and time of analysis and experience of the operator. An integrated technical approach is the best option for a stone analysis by choosing from the various techniques proposed on the basis of their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Trace element investigations in urinary stones: a preliminary pilot case in Basilicata (Southern Italy).

The role of trace elements in the lithogenesis of urinary stones is still debated. However, it is generally appreciated that urinary stones are one of the most common health problems in the world and are strongly associated with environmental factors. It is important to highlight that urinary stones containing trace elements could be considered a marker of environmental pollution. A large set of urinary stones (48), collected among the Basilicata (southern Italy) inhabitants, was analysed by AAS and ICP for the content of specific chemical elements that were either involved in the crystallisation process of kidney stones (Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn) or which were potentially toxic (Pb, Cr). Three main findings emerge from the results: Furthermore, the results showed that the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb and Cr were greater than that of ingested from a standard diet. Consequently, varying amounts of these elements may have been attributed to their enrichment in the diet of the inhabitants of polluted areas.

Mineralogical and morphological investigation of kidney stones of a Mediterranean region (Basilicata, Italy).

Kidney stones are a very frequent finding in southern Italy, but stone analysis is not routinely performed. However, it is an important requirement not only for a successful treatment of this disease, but also for the prophylaxis to prevent any recurrence. We therefore set out to analyze 80 kidney stones collected from Basilicata Region (Southern, Italy). X-ray powder diffraction as well as optical and scanning electron microscopy and petrographic thin section analysis have been applied in order to determine the mineralogical and morphological compositions. The internal structure and the relation between major and minor components have facilitated the classification of the kidney stones according to a detailed scheme. As it is known from other country, calcium oxalate stones were the most frequent (59%) [39% mainly composed of whewellite, CaC2O4*H2O and 29% is mainly made of weddellite, CaC2O4*2H2O]. Uric acid stones were abundant too (18%). Calcium phosphate and cystine stone were less. The results of the observations of kidney stones in thin petrographic sections led to the identification of more cores in the same whewellite kidney stones. In some kidney stones the core is not situated in the central zone, which represents the point of attachment on kidney wall. Basilicata kidney stone prevalence is different from the average prevalence determined in other Mediterranean areas. The comparison showed that calcium oxalate stones seem to be more frequent, and there is a high prevalence of uric acid kidney stones and a lower prevalence of phosphate kidney stones, especially hydroxyapatite. The relative increase frequency of uric acid stones in the northern part of the Region may be due to high-purine diets and softness water consumption.