The association between C-reactive protein levels and the risk of kidney stones: a population-based study

Abstract Objectives The relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the risk of developing kidney stones is unclear, and we aimed to assess the association between CRP and kidney stones in US adults. Methods We used data from NHANES 2007–2010, and we excluded participants who were under 18 years of age and lacked data on CRP and kidney stones. Finally, we included a total of 11,033 participants and performed weighted multivariate regression analysis and subgroup analysis to assess the independent relationship between CRP and kidney stones. Results The mean prevalence of kidney stones among the participants was 9.8%. Notably, as CRP levels increased, the prevalence of kidney stones exhibited a corresponding rise across quartiles (Kidney stones: Quartile 1: 7.59%; Quartile 2: 8.77%; Quartile 3: 9.64%; Quartile 4: 10.89%). CRP was positively associated with the risk of kidney stones (Model 1: OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18, p = 0.03; Model 2: OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00–1.18, p = 0.03, Model 3: OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.02–1.26, p = 0.04). Participants in the highest CRP quartile experienced a 69% increased risk of kidney stones compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.04–2.59, p = 0.03). Notably, interaction tests revealed that gender, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, CKD and smoking or alcohol consumption status did not significantly influence the association between CRP and kidney stones. Conclusions Our findings reveal a significant association between higher CRP levels and an increased risk of kidney stones. In clinical practice, heightened awareness of CRP as a potential biomarker could aid in risk assessment and management strategies for kidney stone patients.