Kinetic versus thermodynamic factors in calcium renal lithiasis.

Calcium renal lithiasis formation depends on the balance between thermodynamic (supersaturation) and kinetic (inhibitors, nucleants) factors. In this paper, the importance of both groups was evaluated using (a) the complete urine analysis data obtained from 32 healthy volunteers and 141 active stone-formers, and (b) a comprehensive computer model to calculate the supersaturation values of calcium oxalate monohydrate, hydroxyapatite and brushite in each urine sample. The results of this evaluation were used to assess the possible effectiveness of a given pharmacological treatment.