Renal stone disease in older adults.

The pathophysiology of stone disorder in older adults, as compared to their younger counterparts, has not been thoroughly investigated. This article examines the differences in serum and urine chemistries between groups that are younger and older than 60 years of age. The principal finding is that stone formation occurs at lower urinary supersaturations in older patients, suggesting that other unexplored factors are significant contributors. The authors then review the possible effect of age on the morbidity of stone disease and the implications of stone disease for the development and management of osteoporosis.