Assessment of the Importance of Water Quality and Other Exogenous Factors for Urolithiasis in Georgia

Abstract

Kvernadze Vasil, Darsania Tamar* and Kurashvili Bela

Background: No studies have yet been conducted to assess the characteristics of kidney stone disease and the contributing risk factors in Georgia. The goal of our study is to investigate and assess the impact of drinking water quality and other contributing factors on the incidence of urolithiasis in Georgia.

Materials and Methods: As part of a descriptive study, the incidence of kidney stone disease across different regions of Georgia was examined, along with its possible association with the mineral composition of drinking water. Additionally, a sociological survey was conducted within the framework of the study among 318 patients who were diagnosed with urolithiasis.

Results: Western Georgia has soft water, in contrast, Eastern Georgia has medium or high hardness water. Nationwide, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association between the Ca:Mg ratio in centralized water and the incidence of urolithiasis. In non-centralized or small-scale water supplies, this correlation appeared to be generally strong and highly reliable.

Conclusion: Based on the above, statistical material shows that the calcium/magnesium ratio has the strongest influence on the incidence of urolithiasis, compared to water hardness and other indicators, and the presence of other exogenous risk factors in patients is also evident. At this stage, preventive measures could include the development of early-stage screening programs in high-risk regions to facilitate early detection of the disease, along with initiatives aimed at improving water quality

HTML PDF