Role of Ultrasound in Evaluation of Renal Colic and Assessment of Risk Factor for Renal Calculi

Background: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of ultrasound as instant investigation in out door clinic for patients with renal colic and also to study the risk factors for renal stones. Material and Methods: It was a descriptive study of patients with renal colic due to obstructive uropathy, from July 2004 to June 2005. Instant abdominal ultrasound was performed in the clinic. Evaluation of metabolic risk factors and analysis of drinking water in the area was also performed. Results: Three hundred patients, mean age 30.63±3.58 years, presented with renal colic due to obstructive uropathy during the study period. Thirty-four normal persons were taken as controls. Mean serum calcium of patients was higher 9.56±0.7mg/dl as compared to 8.8±1.30mg/dl in controls (p<0.05). Uric acid 5.37+1.66mg/dl as compared to 5.40+1.52mg/dl in controls. (p>0.05) Mean urinary calcium excretion of patients was 287.79+181.29mg/24 hours with 43.33% patients having excretion in excess of 250mg/24 hours as compared to 187.00±88.91mg/24 hours with only 17.64% having more than 250mg/24hours (p<0.05). Mean 24 hours urinary excretion of uric acid in patients was 424.31+142.16mg as compared to 314.29±173.49mg in controls (p<0.05). Drinking water of three districts of Quetta Division revealed calcium hardness in Quetta 118.63±21.28mg/ L, Pishin 118.75±11.86mg/L and Chaghi 124.16±7.80mg/L. Conclusion: Majority of patients with renal colic can be diagnosed in the clinic with the help of ultrasound. Serum calcium and 24 hours urinary calcium and uric acid excretion are higher in patients with urinary calculi.