Kidney stones (KS) disease is a growing global health concern, increasing prevalence. Its well-established associations with metabolic disorders such as diabetes and hypertension, but the relationship between frailty and KS remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the association between KS and frailty among adults aged 20 years and older population.
This study investigates the relationship between frailty and KS prevalence using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2020. Frailty was assessed using the Frailty Index (FI), a continuous variable based on 49 health deficits, and categorized into robust, pre-frail, and frail states. Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to assess the association between KS and frailty.
A total of 28,113 people were included in the study, and the overall prevalence of KS occurrence was 9.576%. The FI in the KS group was higher than that in the no KS group [0.142(0.094-0.216) vs 0.112(0.073-0.172), p < 0.0001]. Furthermore, the rate of frail status (17.691% vs 9.791%, p < 0.0001) and pre-frail status (54.267% vs 46.929%, p < 0.0001) in the KS group were higher than that in the no KS group. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed a significant positive association between frailty and KS prevalence, with frail individuals showing a 1.731-fold increased likelihood compared to robust individuals (95% CI 1.406-2.131, p < 0.0001). A nonlinear relationship was observed between the FI and KS occurrence, with likelihood increasing as frailty levels rose. Subgroup analyses indicated that frailty had the greatest impact on KS likelihood in individuals under 60 years, of normal weight, and without hypertension.
In adults in the United States, increased frailty is strongly associated with a higher likelihood of developing KS. Early identification and targeted management of frailty could play a crucial role in reducing the prevalence and recurrence of KS.
European journal of medical research. 2025 May 24*** epublish ***
Gaoyuanzhi Yue, Renfei Liu, Fuyang Lin, Xueqing Zeng, Tao He, Yongda Liu
Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, Guangdong, China., Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, Guangdong, China. ., Department of Urology and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510230, Guangdong, China. .