Chelsea SimonNephrolithiasisNephrolithiasis, more commonly known as kidney stones, is a common kidney disease characterized by crystal deposits in the kidney resulting from urinary oversaturation. There are several types of stones, such as uric acid, cystine, and struvite stones, but calcium stones are the most common. Nephrolithiasis or kidney stone formation is a common form of kidney disease characterized by crystal deposition in the renal medulla due to urinary oversaturation (Worcester and Coe 2009). It is the second most common kidney condition, and kidney stones affect approximately 6% to 12% of the United States population, with the most affected subpopulation being Caucasian men. Nephrolithiasis is considered a systemic disorder associated with chronic kidney disease, increased risk of coronary heart disease, bone loss and fractures, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (Sakhaee et al. 2012). A kidney stone or crystal forms when urine is oversaturated with respect to stone-forming material, meaning the urine contains a higher concentration of stone-forming material than it can dissolve. Several factors can contribute to supersaturation, such as urine volume, pH, and the amount of solute excreted (Worcester and Coe 2009). There are many types of stones that can form depending on the amount of excess material in the urine. The most common types of stones are calcium kidney stones, with calcium oxalate (CaOx) causing 80% of all calcium stones, and calcium phosphate (CaP), causing 15 % of calcium stones (Sakhaee et al. 2012). Calcium oxalate stones are usually found in patients as white deposits on their papillae or Randall's plaques. The calculation begins with a deposit of calcium...... middle of paper...... these components, reduce the rate of recurrence. In addition to dietary elements, kidney stone formation increases with hot climates and strenuous exercise because the loss of kidney fluid with sweating leads to a decrease in urine volume. Overall, nephrolithiasis constitutes a major health and economic burden with increasing prevalence, particularly in the United States; therefore, it is important to understand how to treat and prevent kidney stone formation (Sakhaee et al. 2012). Works cited Kahn SR and Glenton PA (2010). Mice and men: experimental induction of nephrolithiasis with calcium oxalate in mice. J Urol 184:1189-1196. Sakhaee K, Maalouf NM and Sinnot B (2012). Kidney stones 2012: pathogenesis, diagnosis and management. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 97: 1847-1860. Worcester EM and Coe FL (2008). Nephrolithiasis. Primary care 35: 369-391.