Methods of diagnosing complicated urolithiasis and predicting urolithiasis

Abstract

A method of diagnosing complicated urolithiasis consists in testing for and finding the presence of albumen in a urine sample. A portion of said sample is dried and a crystallographic study is performed. On finding a marginal amorphous area, accommodating a central crystalline area, pyelonephritis is diagnosed. On discovering a full crystalline area (i.e. with no marginal amorphous area), calculous pyelonephritis is diagnosed.The method of prognostication involves testing for and finding the absence of albumen in a urine sample. A portion of the urine sample is mixed with a 8-12% protein solution, the mixture is then dried and a crystallographic study is conducted. With a full non-transparent crystallization of the sample (i.e. without the marginal amorphous area), urolithiasis is prognosticated.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to medicine, more specifically, to methods of diagnosing complicated urolithiasis and prognosticating same.

At present for purposes of diagnosing said urolithiasis, particularly pyelonephritis, calculous pyelonephritis, use is made of clinical laboratory examination of urea, the X ray and ultrasound analysis of kidneys and urea excretory tracts.

A possibility of the onset of urolithiasis is evaluated if risk factors are available such as hereditary predisposition and endemicity.

BACKGROUND ART

Known in the art is a method of diagnosing pyelonephritis based on laboratory methods of investigations one of which is determination of the contained albumen in urea. The method is based on coagulation of the albumen with chemical reagents, for example, nitric acid, sulfosalicylic acid, to mention only a few; and physical methods, particularly, heating said urea etc (Spravochnik po klinicheskim laboratornym metodam issledovaniya. Edited by E. Kost, Moscow, MEDITSINA Publishers, 1975; Laboratornye metody issledovaniya v klinike. Spravochnik, edited by V. Menshikov, Moscow, MEDITSINA Publishers, 1987).

Also known is a method for the examination of a urea sample containing albumen which is based on crystallography. This method can also be used for diagnosing pyelonephritis. It consists in the following: a sample from the top layer of settled urea is applied to a microscope slide to be dried to complete crystallization and the presence of albumen is established in the urea under examination, when a marginal amorphous area shows itself. Along with this, glucose is found in the urea if a crystallization area is absent altogether (SU, A1, 1573425).

Known in the art is a method for diagnosing ureteral calculus disease which is based on finding calculus formation in cases where a precipitate is observed in freshly excreted urine or a short while after urination (V. Predtechensky "Rukovodstvo po klinicheskim laboratornym issledovaniya", MEDITSINA, 1964, pp.420-446). Such examinations are performed in native urea. In order to slow down evaporation and desiccation, a urine sample is covered with cover glass.

Also known is a method for prognosticating urolithiasis according to which determination is given to a degree of risk of calcium phosphate crystallization in urine by counting the formed crystals of specific size according to mathematical calculations with account taken of certain factors ("Urological Research", N 2, 15, 1987, Springer-Verlag, H.-G. Tiselius "Measurement of the Risk of Calcium Phosphate Crystallization in Urine", s.79-81).

Also known is a method for prognosticating urolithiasis which allows for a combined calculation of the morphological parameters of a cuppelvic system with the clinical-chemical parameters of urine on the basis of a discriminant analysis with consideration of eight functions for 3-10 parameters ("European Urology", 16, N 3, 1989, S. Karger A. G. Basel; E. Schultz, R. Boerner, P. Brundig, F. Maeurer "Influence of Different Factors on the Formation of Calcium Oxalate Stones", s.218-222).

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is the principal object of the present invention to specify the diagnosis of complicated urolithiasis, more specifically, calculous pyelonephritis, and also predict said urolithiasis in healthy persons on examination when urine examination has no deviations from normal and subjective complaints are absent.

This object is accomplished by the claimed new method of diagnosing calculous pyelonephritis. In addition to clinical examination of a urine sample for the presence of albumen, a portion of the urine sample is additionally taken to be applied to the surface of glass, and dried, followed by crystallographic examination. The presence in the dried portion of said sample of a marginal amorphous area, within which the central crystalline area is located, points to the presence of pyelonephritis. If said amorphous area is absent, i.e. inspection reveals a full crystalline area, the diagnosis is calculous pyelonephritis.

The claimed invention makes it possible to obtain a simple method of diagnostics in clinical laboratory practice requiring no X ray or ultrasound examination, a factor that enables one to avoid radiation and ultrasound loading on the patient and also the use of expensive apparatus which is not readily available. The method can well be carried out by a person of skill in the art.

The object of the invention is accomplished by the claimed method for predicting urolithiasis in healthy persons. In addition to the clinical examination of urine samples for absence of albumen, to said urine sample portion is additionally added 8-12% of a protein substance, for example, albumen. A mixture sample is applied to a glass substrate to be dried at room temperature for about a day and crystallographic investigations are performed. If the dried mixture shows a full non-transparent crystallization, i.e. there is observed the absence of the protein amorphous area in the urine/protein mixture, the prognostication is urolithiasis.

Performance of timely diet measurements and medicament therapy with such patients can prevent stone formation. The claimed method contributes to prognosticating urilithiasis in persons having not only hereditary predisposition but also any forms of acquired urolithiasis, i.e. actually 100% of cases.

The method of patent protection sought assures the following advantages: to predict urolithiasis rapidly, without a patient's pre-preparation and without using special equipment and expensive reagents.

The method can be introduced into practice on a wide scale in all medical establishments and provides a possibility of mass-scale examinations during preventive treatment directed to prevention of the progress of ureteral calculus disease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained by a clear description of its dependent features with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a marginal amorphous area accommodating a central crystalline area with a positive albumen sample in urine. Conclusion: pyelonephritis of non-calculous origin.

FIG. 2 shows a full crystalline area, in other words, no marginal amorphous area is present, which indicates, in case of a positive albumen sample in urine, pyelonephritis of calculous origin.

FIG. 3 shows a marginal amorphous area accommodating a central crystalline area, in the sample of a mixture of urine and albumen solution, the albumen sample in urine is negative. Conclusion: no diagnosis of urolithiasis.

FIG. 4 shows a full crystalline area--the absence of a marginal amorphous area in the sample of a mixture of urine and albumen solution--with a negative albumen sample in urine. Conclusion: urolithiasis is prognosticated.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The claimed method of diagnosing complicated urolithiasis, particularly pyelonephritis, and calculous pyelonephritis is carried out in the following manner.

Urine is sampled and subjected to clinical laboratory examination for the presence of albumen therein. In case of albumen being found in the urine, another portion of the urine sample/0,01-0,02/ is applied to the surface of a microscope slide and allowed to stay at room temperature to complete dryness (30-40 minutes). The dried urine sample is subjected to visual crystallographic study, followed by the performance of a comparative analysis of crystallization of the urine sample and a qualitative reaction for albumen for example, in a test tube.

EXAMPLE 1

Patient A. On crystallographic examination two areas are discovered visually: in the center--an area of crystalline salts, on the margin--an amorphous area. A positive qualitative reaction for albumen is found.

Conclusion: pyelonephritis of non-calculous origin.

Clinical diagnosis: chronic pyelonephritis (see FIG. 1).

EXAMPLE 2

Patient V. On crystallographic examination one area is found visually which is completely covered with salt crystals. A positive qualitative reaction for albumen is found.

Conclusion: calculous pyelonephritis (see FIG. 2).

Clinical diagnosis: calculus. Secondary pyelonephritis.

The claimed method was used for verifying the presence of albumen in 61 samples in a range of concentrations of from 0,033 g/l to 0,495 g/l.

The claimed method makes it possible to perform a differential diagnosis of pyelonephritis and calculous pyelonephritis and is substantiated by the fact that in some pyelonephritis cases, etiology may be "calculous". This method works in 100% of cases and must be carried out at the very first stages of patients' inspection.

The method of diagnostics was verified on 36 patients. Results are given in Table 1.

The claimed method for the prognostication of urolithiasis is carried out as follows:

An arbitrarily excreted urine portion is taken in a healthy person and subjected to a clinical laboratory examination for the absence of albumen. Furthermore, from the top layer of a settled urine portion a fraction thereof is collected and mixed with a 8-12% albumen-containing solution. Said mixture having a volume of 20-50 ml is then applied to a glass substrate and allowed to stay at room temperature for a day.

TABLE I__________________________________________________________________________Data on patients' clinical-laboratory examinationTest for calculous pyelonephritisdried urine presence of Discovery of concrements in examin.No. sample, type albumin in urine X ray Ultrasound Clinical diagnosis1 2 3 4 5 6__________________________________________________________________________1. full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis2. full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis3. full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis4. full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis5. full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis6. full + yes yes calculous crystallization /X-ray-negative/ pyelonephritis7. full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis8. full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis9. full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis10. full + no yes calculous crystallization /X-ray-negative/ pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + no yes calculous crystallization /X-ray-negative/ pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous full + no yes calculous crystallization /X-ray-negative/ pyelonephritis20. full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis full + yes yes calculous crystallization pyelonephritis presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area and pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area and pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter30. presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area and pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area and pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area and pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area and pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area and pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area and pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter presence of marginal + no no chronic amorphous area and pyelonephritis crystalline one in the conter__________________________________________________________________________

By way of control, a portion of urine is applied parallel with a sample, without adding an albumen substance. The thus dried mixture of said urine and albumen solution are subjected to visual crystallographic examination.

In conclusion, a correlation is made of the observable patterns of crystallization of a urine mixture sample for the presence of central and marginal areas.

EXAMPLE 3

Patient S. On crystallographic examination of a mixture of urine and albumen solution, there are visually found two areas: in the center--a crystallization area, on the margin--a transparent amorphous area. A negative qualitative reaction for albumen is found.

Conclusion: no prognostication of urolithiasis.

Clinical diagnosis: right kidney prolapse (see FIG. 3).

EXAMPLE 4

Patient D. On crystallographic examination of a mixture of urine and albumen solution there is visually discovered one area that is completely crystallized.

Conclusion: urolithiasis is predicted.

Clinical diagnosis: nephritis (see FIG. 4).

It is worthy to note that in the two-above-described Examples 3 and 4, the control samples provided one and the same picture, namely, one completely crystallized area, i.e. no result has been yielded as regards prediction of the disease.

The claimed method enables one to prognosticate urolithiasis in healthy persons and to take measures towards preventing stone formation. The method is simple, and easy to implement.

The method was checked on 1088 practically healthy people. Results are given in Tables 2 and 3.

TABLE 2__________________________________________________________________________Results of examination of practically healthy persons Concrements found in USI 22 Concrements found in Concrements found in months after observation of: USI* of 84 persons USI of 24 persons in 84 persons with 15 persons withNumber of people in whom no urolithias whom urolithiasis was no urolithiasis urolithiasisTotal no prognosis prognosis was prognosticated prognosticated prognosis prognosisNumber urolithiasis urolithiasis yes no yes no yes no yes no__________________________________________________________________________108 84 24 0 84 9 15 0 84 7 8100% 77.8% 22.2% 100% 37.5% 62.5% 100% 46.7% 53.3%__________________________________________________________________________ *ultrasound inspection TABLE 3__________________________________________________________________________Results of examination of 15 persons with the prognosisof urolithiasis according to the claimed methodPresence /+/ or absence(-) of concrements in kidneys,urine tracts on the basis of USI at the momentN of prognostication 6-8 month after 12-14 months after 18 months after 22 months after__________________________________________________________________________1. - + +* + +2. - + + + +3. - - + + +*4. - - + + +5. - - - + +6. - - - - +7. - - - not performed +*8. - - - - -9. - - - - -10. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -__________________________________________________________________________ *a fit of kidney colic was recorded.

Industrial applicability

The invention may find a variety of applications in the practice of all medical establishments as not requiring expensive facilities and reagents. Its advisable to put this invention into practice during mass-scale prophylactic examinations of population for purposes of carrying out preventive treatment directed to prevention of the progress of urolithiasis.

Claims

1. A method for diagnosing pyelonephritis of a non-calculous origin by examination of a urine sample comprising separating the urine sample into at least two portions, testing a first of said two portions for presence of albumen,

drying a second of said portions so that it crystallizes, and examining for the presence of a marginal amorphous area in the dried crystallized second portion.

2. A method for diagnosing calculous pyelonephritis by examination of a urine sample comprising separating the urine sample into at least two portions, testing a first of said at least two portions for presence of albumen, drying a second of said portions so that it crystallizes and examining for absence of a marginal amorphous area in the dried crystallized second portion.

3. A method for predicting urolithiasis by examination of a urine sample comprising separating the urine sample into at least two portions, screening a first of said portions for the absence of albumen, mixing the second portion with an 8-12% albumen solution, drying the resultant mixture at room temperature for about a day and screening to detect whether there is substantially complete crystallization.