Morphoconstitutional Analysis of Urinary Stones in Northern Morocco Using Infrared Spectrophotometry: Epidemiological Profile and Metabolic Implications

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.