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COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Alters Incidence of Chronic Diseases, Including Urolithiasis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent epidemiology study published in Archivos Espanoles De Urologia has revealed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of kidney stones in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. The research, conducted by Dr. Yu Chen and her team at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, found that the overall incidence of urolithiasis significantly dropped from 148 per 100,000 person-years in 2016-2019 to 115 per 100,000 person-years in 2021-2023. However, the study also noted that there was no significant change in the composition of kidney stones.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the incidence of urolithiasis in New Brunswick, with a 22% decrease in the overall incidence rate.
  • The decline in urolithiasis incidence was observed across all age groups, sexes, and geographic regional health authority (RHA) zones.
  • Despite the decrease in incidence, the composition of kidney stones remained unchanged, indicating that the pandemic did not affect the types of stones being formed.
  • The study analyzed 3253 kidney stone samples from 2021-2023 and compared them to 3838 samples from 2016-2019.
  • The researchers used Fourier transform infrared spectrometry technology to analyze the composition of the kidney stones.
  • The study concluded that lifestyle and dietary habit changes caused by social limitations and quarantine may have contributed to the decline in urolithiasis incidence.

Statistics:

  • The overall incidence of urolithiasis in New Brunswick decreased from 148 per 100,000 person-years in 2016-2019 to 115 per 100,000 person-years in 2021-2023.
  • The combined chi-square test for all age groups, sexes, and RHA zones was 94.167 (p < 0.001), indicating a statistically significant decline in urolithiasis incidence.
  • The 95% confidence interval (CI) for the 2016-2019 incidence rate was 139-157 per 100,000 person-years, while the CI for the 2021-2023 incidence rate was 110-120 per 100,000 person-years.

Sources:

  • Archivos Espanoles De Urologia. Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic On the Incidence and Composition of Urolithiasis In New Brunswick, Canada. 2025;78(2):121-127.
  • NewsRx. Findings in COVID-19 Reported from Dr Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic On the Incidence and Composition of Urolithiasis In New Brunswick, Canada). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. May 18, 2025; p 104.

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