Questionnaires for the correlation of dietary factors with urolithiasis

Introduction: Urolithiasis is one of the most frequent urinary tract clinical entities worldwide. A plethora of factors contribute to its pathogenesis, thus creating a broad field for research and study. This review focuses on the assessment of the existing diet questionnaires in order to bring out the possible effect dietary factors may have on urolithiasis pathogenesis. Methods: The method used in order to locate studies which dealt with renal calculi and dietary factors was a search in PubMed literature database from January 1997 to March 2017. Results: The search has revealed studies which employed Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs), Load of Acid to Kidney Evaluation (LAKE) screening questionnaires as well as non-specialized questionnaires. Most of the studies used an FFQ, a recall method of food intake within a specific length of time. The analysis of their results has brought forth significant correlations, such as the higher risk of the formation of stones as a result of increased salt consumption. Additionally, the Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) of foods has been strongly associated with the risk of renal calculi and can be easily estimated using the LAKE screening method. Conclusions: The Food Frequency Questionnaire has been revealed as the primary choice of questionnaire type in order to examine the association of dietary parameters with renal calculi. The analysis of the questionnaires has displayed significant correlations of dietary factors with urolithiasis, which may direct towards its treatment as well as the prevention of relapses. The LAKE score constitutes an easy, fast and inexpensive way to study the effect diet has on the calculus-forming potential, which may assist in patients’ individualized approach.