Urinary stone analysis at the Military Hospital of Marrakech: fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study

Urolithiasis is a growing global health concern, influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Accurate analysis of urinary stone composition is essential for effective diagnosis, treatment, and recurrence prevention. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has become a gold standard technique for stone analysis due to its precision and efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical composition of urinary stones using FTIR spectroscopy and to identify trends related to patient demographics at the Avicenne Military Hospital in Marrakech. A total of 136 urinary stones were collected from patients between February 2020 and November 2023. Stone samples were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy, and their composition was correlated with patient age and sex. Only the predominant constituent of each stone was considered for classification. The patient cohort included 82 men and 54 women, with an average age of 52.9 years. Calcium oxalate was the most prevalent component (35.3%), followed by struvite (20.5%), carbapatite + cystine (19.1%), and urate (13.2%). Mixed stones were common, with the majority containing two or more constituents. Calcium oxalate stones were more frequent in men, while struvite and urate stones were more associated with women and older age groups. Variations in stone composition were observed across different age and sex groups, reflecting underlying metabolic and infectious factors. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy offers a reliable, rapid, and non-destructive method for analyzing urinary stone composition. Understanding the chemical makeup of stones provides essential insights for individualized patient management and targeted prevention strategies. This study highlights the importance of routine stone analysis in optimizing clinical care and reducing recurrence rates.