AETIOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO RENAL CALCULI

Renal calculi develop due to a complex interplay of metabolic, dietary, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that disrupt the balance of stone-forming and inhibitory substances in urine. Key contributors include low fluid intake and dehydration, supersaturation of urine with calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, and deficiencies in natural inhibitors such as citrate and magnesium. Comorbid conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and hyperparathyroidism, along with infections, certain medications, dietary excesses, sedentary lifestyle, and climatic factors, further increase stone risk. Genetic predisposition and family history also play a significant role, highlighting the multifactorial nature of nephrolithiasis. Effective prevention and management require addressing hydration, diet, physical activity, and underlying metabolic or systemic conditions to reduce stone formation and recurrence.