Correlation between stress and kidney stone disease

Background and Purpose: Prevalence of kidney stone disease is increasing worldwide, and several factors may be involved. We aimed to establish a correlation between stress and kidney stones. Patients and Methods: We prospectively evaluated 200 patients with a diagnosis of kidney stone disease having them self-respond to a validated questionnaire to measure stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10 [PSS-10]). Stone-related characteristics and potential stressing factors were assessed. Variables that were significant on the univariate analysis were used to construct a model that was able to explain the variability in PSS-10 score in our patients. Results: Mean PSS-10 score was 15.3±1.1. Female sex (P=0.014), occurrence of death or serious illness of a family member or close friend within the last 6 months of the interview (P=0.044), occurrence of other psychological trauma (P<0.0001) all proved to be significant factors. Stone-related aspects associated with stress were presence of symptoms at the time of the interview (P=0.012) and passage of two or more stones per year (P=0.022). We were able to construct a model that explains 34% of the variability of the PSS-10 between subjects. Employment status was the only significant variable, but sex, age, and presence of symptoms at the time of questionnaire administration had to be kept in to achieve a model that explains the largest variability. Conclusions: Passage of two or more stones per year and presence of symptoms proved to be factors related to elevated stress in patients with a diagnosis of kidney stone disease. Female sex, age, and unemployment may also contribute to a stressed state in this population.