What is it about?
Kidney stones are a common condition that can cause severe pain and may recur over time. People with gout are known to have a higher risk of kidney stones, but it is less clear whether people with elevated uric acid levels who do not have gout are also at increased risk. In this study, we analyzed health screening data from more than 31,000 Korean adults to examine whether higher blood uric acid levels were associated with kidney stones. Kidney stones were identified using ultrasonography and kidney–ureter–bladder radiography, and the analyses accounted for other health and metabolic factors that could influence stone risk. We found that higher serum uric acid levels were associated with a higher prevalence of kidney stones in men, whereas no significant association was observed in women. These findings suggest that the relationship between uric acid and kidney stone formation may differ between men and women. Because this was a cross-sectional study, the results show an association rather than a cause-and-effect relationship. Further prospective studies are needed to determine whether lowering uric acid levels can help prevent kidney stones.
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Why is it important?
This study provides evidence from a large health screening population that higher serum uric acid levels are associated with kidney stone prevalence in men but not in women. By highlighting possible sex-specific differences, our findings contribute to a better understanding of kidney stone risk and may help guide future research on prevention strategies. The results also support the need for prospective studies to determine whether serum uric acid is a modifiable risk factor for nephrolithiasis.
Perspectives
Kidney stones are becoming increasingly common worldwide, yet many questions remain about the metabolic factors that contribute to their development. We were particularly interested in understanding whether elevated uric acid levels, even in people without gout, are associated with kidney stones. Using a large health screening database allowed us to examine this question in a real-world population. We hope that our findings encourage further prospective research into sex-specific mechanisms of stone formation and help improve individualized approaches to kidney stone prevention. Ultimately, identifying people at higher risk before symptoms develop may contribute to more effective preventive care.
Jae Yoon Kim
Inje University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Association between asymptomatic hyperuricemia and kidney stones, PLOS One, May 2026, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0349819.
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