Analysis of Mortality Trends Associated with Urolithiasis in the United States from 1999 to 2024: A Joinpoint Regression Study Examining Age, Gender, Ethnicity, and Geographic Variations

By
Li-Li Xu
Chu-xuan Lin
Xin-yi Lin
Qin-ying Zhou
Nai-fen Xu
Ding-qin Zheng
Ran Xu
August 21, 2026

Frontiers In Surgery

Overview

This study analyzes mortality trends associated with urolithiasis in the U.S. from 1999 to 2024, revealing a significant increase in mortality rates, particularly post-2014. Disparities were noted across demographic and geographic groups.

Background

Urolithiasis is a common urinary tract disease that has been traditionally associated with low mortality rates. However, recent trends indicate a concerning rise in mortality, necessitating a closer examination of demographic and geographic disparities.

Data Highlights

Year	Age-Adjusted Mortality Rate (per 100,000)
1999	0.22
2014	0.72
2024	0.72

Key Findings

Urolithiasis mortality rose from 0.22 to 0.72 per 100,000 population from 1999 to 2024.
Annual percent change in mortality was 1.94% from 1999-2014 and accelerated to 8.54% from 2014-2024.
The Northeast had the highest age-adjusted mortality rate at 0.85 per 100,000.
Females had a higher age-adjusted mortality rate than males by 2024 (0.80 vs. 0.68 per 100,000).
Non-Hispanic white individuals had the highest mortality rate at 0.86 per 100,000.
The highest mortality rate was observed in individuals aged 85 years and older, at 5.72 per 100,000.

Clinical Implications

The rising mortality rates associated with urolithiasis, particularly among older adults and non-Hispanic white individuals, highlight the disparities observed across different regions and demographic groups.