Comprehensive biochemical profile of patients with calcium-based kidney stones in Kirkuk, Iraq: A case-control study of serum, urine and hormonal markers
College of Medicine, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq, 36001.
Research Article
World Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2026, 08(02), 039-050.
Article DOI: 10.53346/wjcps.2026.8.2.0020
Publication history:
Received on 06 May 2026; revised on 22 June 2026; accepted on 24 June 2026
Abstract:
Background: Nephrolithiasis is a complex metabolic disorder and multifactorial urological disease. Awareness of its pathophysiology is important for patient management and prevention of recurrence. This carefully polarized case-control study aimed to rigorously assess within specific ranges the numerous serum biochemical markers, electrolytes, renal function markers, hormonal analyses including parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D (Vit D), as well as detailed urinary 24-hour excretion profiles in patients with calcium-based kidney stones against a strictly selected group of healthy controls without affecting disease.
Methods: This study was conducted on 150 subjects (120 patients and 30 controls) in Kirkuk Governorate from November 2024 and November 2025. Biochemical and hormonal indices were evaluated on fasting blood and 24-h urine samples, and characterization of stones was performed by FTIR.
Results: FTIR revealed 92.4% calcium oxalate stones. Patients had significantly lower serum calcium (Ca), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) but higher phosphate, urea and creatinine levels in comparison to controls (p<0.05). PTH was highly upregulated, whilst vitamin D showed no difference. Urine studies showed elevated urine calcium and oxalate; low urine citrate (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Patients exhibited systemic mineral derangements, renal dysfunction, secondary hyperparathyroidism and a lithogenic urinary profile with calcium oxalate stones and hypocitraturia. A thorough biochemical and urinary assessment of hyperparathyroidism is necessary for better risk stratification and personalized therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
Nephrolithiasis; Calcium Oxalate Stones; Metabolic Disturbances; Hyperparathyroidism; Urinary Biomarkers.
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