Clinical characteristics and risk of urolithiasis in metallurgists

A complex investigation of the urogenital system in 200 metallurgists and 190 workers (a control group) has shown that 35.0% metallurgists and 15.7% controls had urogenital pathology. Urolithiasis was detected more often in metallurgists (72.8 and 14.9%, respectively, p < 0.001). An elevated level of blood uric acid, aciduria, decreased diuresis were also more frequent in metallurgists than in the control group. Metallurgists had a higher relative risk and an etiologic factor of urolithiasis (RR = 7.0-7.9; EF = 85.5-87%). Incidence of urolithiasis in metallurgists can be reduced after prophylactic programs. Therefore, urologic examination and ultrasonic scanning should be included in regular medical check-ups of metallurgists.