Diversity in Clinical Characteristics and Composition of Urinary Stones in Different Regions of India and Comparison to Rest of the World

Urinary stones are a common urological condition that exhibits significant variability in prevalence, clinical presentation, and composition across different geographic regions. In India, the condition affects approximately 2 million individuals annually, with notable regional differences driven by dietary habits, environmental factors, and socioeconomic conditions. This study comprehensively reviews the clinical characteristics, urinary stone composition, and associated risk factors in India while comparing these findings with global trends. The data for this review were obtained through an extensive analysis of the available literature on urinary stone composition and clinical characteristics in India and various countries worldwide. Sources included multiple databases such as Springer, Scopus, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Wiley, Web of Science, PubMed, and Taylor and Francis. The data were synthesized to assess the prevalence, composition, and risk factors of urinary stones by region, and these were compared with international data. Mixed stones were more commonly observed in northern and coastal regions, while uric acid (UA) stones showed a higher prevalence in the southern states. Globally, calcium oxalate (CaOx) remained the dominant stone type, but certain regions exhibited a higher occurrence of struvite and UA stones, largely attributed to specific dietary patterns and infection rates. The study concludes that urinary stone composition in India varies regionally due to dietary habits, hydration, and environmental factors. While CaOx remains prevalent globally, other stone types show distinct regional differences. Targeted prevention through hydration and dietary modifications is crucial, and future research should explore genetic predispositions and the impact of climate change on stone formation.