HARDNESS OF DRINKING WATER AS A RISK FACTOR FOR UROLITHIASIS IN THE FERGANA REGION

Calcium and magnesium concentrations increased stepwise from soft to hard water, while the proportion of calcium-oxalate stones rose from 16.7% to 73.5% (χ²=7.245; p~0.03–0.05). Course intake of local mineral water "Chortoq" reduced urolithiasis recurrence by 34.8–63%, confirming the importance of the water factor in planning regional preventive measures.

Purpose – to study the relationship between drinking water hardness and the mineral composition of urinary stones and its role in forming endemic foci of urolithiasis in the Fergana region.

Material and methods – an epidemiological survey of 12,364 residents of the Fergana region was conducted, analysing drinking water composition (soft, moderate, hard) and the mineral composition of 60 removed urinary stones. Statistical processing (χ², Cramer's V) and comparison of relative values were used.

Results – urolithiasis was detected in 9.8% of subjects, with a risk group of 6.8%. A stepwise increase in calcium (from 0.50 to 3.10 mmol/L) and magnesium (from 0.80 to 3.80 mmol/L) concentrations was found as water hardness increased. The proportion of calcium-oxalate stones rose from 16.7% in soft water to 73.5% in hard water (χ²=7.245; df=2; Cramer's V≈0.35).

Conclusion – drinking water hardness is a significant regional risk factor for calcium-oxalate urolithiasis in the Fergana region and should be considered when planning preventive measures.