In a study published in BMC Nephrology, researchers investigated the influence of asymptomatic kidney stones on disease progression in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

This retrospective cohort study followed 195 ADPKD patients, distinguishing between those with nephrolithiasis (85 patients) and those without (110 patients). The study aimed to understand the relationship between nephrolithiasis and the rate of kidney function decline, measured by changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR).

Results indicated a significantly greater decline in kidney function among patients with nephrolithiasis compared to those without. Furthermore, nephrolithiasis was found to be an independent predictor of faster kidney function decline, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring of kidney stones in ADPKD patients to potentially slow disease progression and preserve renal function.

Why this is important?

The findings underscore the clinical significance of asymptomatic nephrolithiasis in ADPKD, a condition previously considered only a minor complication relative to cyst development. By demonstrating that nephrolithiasis contributes independently to faster kidney function decline, this study prompts a reevaluation of monitoring and management strategies for ADPKD patients. It suggests that proactive detection and treatment of kidney stones, even when asymptomatic, could be crucial in delaying the progression to end-stage kidney disease, thus improving outcomes and quality of life for patients afflicted with this genetic disorder. Furthermore, the study indicates that alkalinizing the urine with products such as potassium citrate or KetoCitra may have another role in slowing the progression of ADPKD.

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