Primary aldosteronism increases the risk of urinary stones.

Abstract

Urinary calcium excretion increases in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and is associated with higher prevalence of renal stones formations. However, it remains unclear whether the prevalence of urinary stones is higher in patients with PA than in those with nonfunctioning adrenal tumors (NF). We aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of urinary stones is higher in patients with PA than in those without PA. The study was conducted between April 2006 and March 2021. We enrolled 140 PA and 144 NF patients. Urinary stones and renal calcifications were evaluated through patient history or CT findings. Serum and urinary parameters, presence of urinary stones and/or calcifications, were evaluated in both groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusting for relevant variables. Compared to the NF group, the PA group was younger, and displayed significantly higher blood pressure, aldosterone-rennin ratio, eGFR, serum Na, urinary Ca excretion, and intact PTH levels. In contrast, serum K, Ca and creatinine levels were lower in PA group. PA patients also demonstrated a lower prevalence of diabetes, smaller adrenal tumor size, and a lower percentage of smokers compared to the NF group. Urinary stones and renal calcifications were significantly more frequent in the PA group. Logistic regression confirmed PA as an independent risk factor for urinary stones, regardless of age, sex, BMI, eGFR, serum and urinary calcium, and intact PTH. PA is an independent risk factor for urinary stones and renal calcifications.