Association between triglyceride levels and upper urinary tract calcium stones recurrence

BACKGROUND: Triglyceride (TG) is a known risk factor for kidney stones, but its association with stone recurrence remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum TG levels and recurrence of upper urinary tract calcium stones. METHOD: Patients with upper urinary tract calcium stones hospitalized between May 2021 and August 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between TG and stone recurrence after adjusting for potential confounders. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to explore dose-response relationships. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess result robustness. RESULTS: A total of 303 patients were included, with a mean age of 46.44 ± 13.04 years and a mean TG level of 1.83 ± 1.43 mmol/L. The overall recurrence rate was 45.54%. Recurrence rates varied across TG quartiles (Q1-Q4: 35.06%, 44.00%, 40.00%, and 63.16%), with the highest rate observed in Q4. Higher TG levels were significantly associated with increased stone recurrence risk. Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest TG quartile showed a 2.98-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.42-6.39). RCS analysis demonstrated a linear dose-response relationship. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings. CONCLUSION: Elevated triglyceride levels were associated with a higher risk of calcium stone recurrence.