Fluoride concentrations in a collection of urinary calculi.

Abstract

Fluoride concentrations in 42 urinary calculi were determined using a microdiffusion procedure in conjunction with a fluoride sensitive electrode. Mean values of 56, 230 and 1112 ng./mg. fluoride were obtained for uric acid, calcium oxalate monohydrate and apatite/struvite stones, respectively. Fluoride concentration was found to be related to calcium oxalate dihydrate levels as well as to apatite content. It is suggested that the former has zeolithic properties which might trap fluoride while formation and growth of the latter appears to be enhanced by elevated urinary fluoride levels.