SERUM AND URINARY ZINC LEVELS IN UROLITHIASIS

Zinc has an important place amongst inhibitors of crystallisation and crystal growth. These views are supported by in vivo and in vitro stud ies which suggest that the urinary zinc level is a significant factor in urolithiasis. Some recent studies have given contradictory results. Blood serum and urinary zinc levels were measured in 30 normal health y controls and 42 stone forming patients (renal, ureteric and vesical) . Statistically significant levels were found in all groups, varying a ccording to the number of calculi. Increased urinary zinc levels and d ecreased serum zinc levels appear to be secondary to the process of st one formation. The role of zinc as an inhibitor of urolithiasis is que stionable.