Morphoconstitutional Analysis of Urinary Stones in Northern Morocco Using Infrared Spectrophotometry: Epidemiological Profile and Metabolic Implications
M. Belaghzal
*
Mohammed VI University Hospital, Tangier, Morocco.
A. Baghdadi
Mohammed VI University Hospital, Tangier, Morocco.
O. Tnibar
Mohammed VI University Hospital, Tangier, Morocco.
I. Benali
Mohammed VI University Hospital, Tangier, Morocco.
Y. Rharmili
Mohammed VI University Hospital, Tangier, Morocco.
Y. Retal
Mohammed VI University Hospital, Tangier, Morocco.
Z. Bakkali Aissaoui
Mohammed VI University Hospital, Tangier, Morocco.
A. Khallouk
Mohammed VI University Hospital, Tangier, Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Urolithiasis is a common and increasingly prevalent condition that is influenced by environmental, dietary and metabolic factors. Infrared spectrophotometry is considered a reference method for stone analysis. However, regional data on the morphoconstitutional characteristics of urinary stones in Northern Morocco remain limited.
Objective: To analyse the morphoconstitutional profile of urinary stones in Northern Morocco and determine their epidemiological and metabolic characteristics.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 108 adult patients and 150 urinary stones. All stones were analysed using morphological examination and sequential infrared spectrophotometry.
Results: Male predominance was observed (male-to-female ratio: 2.86). Renal localisation was the most frequent site, accounting for 75.92% of cases. Three-component mixed stones represented 42.59% of cases. Calcium oxalate was the predominant constituent (66.7%). Carbapatite was identified in 46.2% of cases, followed by amorphous carbonated calcium phosphate (33.3%) and uric acid (27.7%). Percentages may exceed 100% because stones may contain mixed components.
Conclusion: The lithiasis profile in Northern Morocco is dominated by calcium oxalate, particularly whewellite, reflecting a chronic metabolic imbalance. Infrared spectrophotometric analysis has a key role in aetiological assessment, guiding therapeutic management and preventing recurrence.
Keywords: Urolithiasis, urinary stones, infrared spectrophotometry, stone composition, calcium oxalate, whewellite, morphoconstitutional analysis, hyperoxaluria, Northern Morocco