Differences in urine volume and supersaturation in 2 physician networks

• Published in: The Journal of urology Vol. 166; no. 2; p. 423
• Main Authors: Coe, F L, Wise, H, Parks, J H, Fleury, P J, Asplin, J R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2001
• Subjects: Calcium Oxalate - urine; Calcium Phosphates; Humans; Local Area Networks; Midwestern United States; New England; Risk Factors; Uric Acid; Urinary Calculi - prevention & control; Urinary Calculi - therapy; Urine; Midwestern United States; New England
• ISSN: 0022-5347
• DOI: 10.1016/S0022-5347(05)65957-5

We determined whether a network of practices devoted to a broad range of urological care would achieve a decrease in metabolic stone risk comparable to that achieved by a network of similar practices that emphasized kidney stone management as a distinct specialized interest, provided that each was given equivalent access to high level urine testing and software support. Pretreatment and treatment 24-hour urine samples were obtained from patients in a large network of practices related by the shared use of lithotripsy facilities and instruments (group 2) and a contrasting network of practices that emphasize stone treatment over other concerns (group 1). All known urine risk factors, including supersaturation, were measured and calculated. Treatment supersaturation values in group 2 exceeded those in group 1. The reason was unpredicted and unexplained but highly consistent lower urine volume in group 2 patients that was present before and persisted during treatment. Group 2 physicians mostly achieved changes in urine volume and stone risk factors equivalent to those of group 1 physicians but began with higher supersaturation due to lower urine volume. A network of physicians not specialized for stone care may achieve a decreased risk equivalent to that of more specialized physicians. Initial patient characteristics may vary significantly in the groups for reasons that are unknown to date, greatly affecting treatment outcome.