NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Renal stone risk assessment during Space Shuttle flightsPURPOSE: The metabolic and environmental factors influencing renal stone formation before, during, and after Space Shuttle flights were assessed. We established the contributing roles of dietary factors in relationship to the urinary risk factors associated with renal stone formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24-hr. urine samples were collected prior to, during space flight, and following landing. Urinary and dietary factors associated with renal stone formation were analyzed and the relative urinary supersaturation of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate (brushite), sodium urate, struvite and uric acid were calculated. RESULTS: Urinary composition changed during flight to favor the crystallization of calcium-forming salts. Factors that contributed to increased potential for stone formation during space flight were significant reductions in urinary pH and increases in urinary calcium. Urinary output and citrate, a potent inhibitor of calcium-containing stones, were slightly reduced during space flight. Dietary intakes were significantly reduced for a number of variables, including fluid, energy, protein, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first in-flight characterization of the renal stone forming potential in astronauts. With the examination of urinary components and nutritional factors, it was possible to determine the factors that contributed to increased risk or protected from risk. In spite of the protective components, the negative contributions to renal stone risk predominated and resulted in a urinary environment that favored the supersaturation of stone-forming salts. Dietary and pharmacologic therapies need to be assessed to minimize the potential for renal stone formation in astronauts during/after space flight.
Document ID
20040172860
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Whitson, P. A.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Pietrzyk, R. A.
Pak, C. Y.
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1997
Publication Information
Publication: The Journal of urology
Volume: 158
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0022-5347
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
STS Shuttle Project
short duration
NASA Center JSC
NASA Discipline Regulatory Physiology
manned
Flight Experiment

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available