Researchers have developed a new tool that may help to establish the likelihood of a patient developing a second kidney stone after experiencing one in the past. The tool may help physicians determine whether or not preventative measures should be taken.

Kidney stones are very common, and affect about 8.8 percent of the U.S. population.

Patients are most concerned about experiencing the excruciating pain that is often associated with kidney stones. For this reason, taking steps to prevent future occurrences may be warranted. Although specific dietary changes and administration of medications can help to prevent future kidney stones, these measures can be expensive and burdensome.

Dr. Andrew Rule, MD (Mayo Clinic), and colleagues sought to develop a prediction tool to help more accurately determine whether specific kidney stone patients were more susceptible to developing another kidney stone in the future, thereby warranting the implementation of preventative measures.

“If we knew which patients were at high risk for another symptomatic kidney stone, then we could better advise patients on whether to follow stone prevention diets or take medications. At the same time, patients who are at low risk of having another kidney stone may not need restrictive diets and medications,” said Dr. Rule in a statement.

Dr. Rule and his team analyzed medical records of first-time kidney stone sufferers in Minnesota between 1984 and 2003. Among the 2,239 patients reviewed, 707 of them had a recurrence by 2012.

The researchers developed the Recurrence of Kidney Stone (ROKS) nomogram which asks patients 11 questions to help calculate the chances of having another kidney stone at the two, five and 10-year mark after experiencing a first kidney stone.

Experts agree that in order for this nomogram to provide real value, it should be tested in additional populations of patients with former kidney stones.