The association between blood cadmium concentration and the likelihood of kidney stones: a population-based study

Purpose of the research Many studies have demonstrated the deleterious effects of blood cadmium (B-Cd) on human health. However, the association between blood cadmium concentration and the likelihood of kidney stones is still not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between B-Cd and the likelihood of kidney stones in the general adult population of the United States. Methods A total of 17,274 U.S. adult participants were included in this study, and we used weighted multivariate regression analysis and subgroup analysis in the study to explore the independent association between cadmium exposure and odds of kidney stone. Results The prevalence of kidney stones was 8.85% in the whole group of subjects. The prevalence of kidney stones increased with increasing B-Cd quartiles (Quartile 1: 8.16%, Quartile 2: 8.54%, Quartile 3: 8.81%, Quartile 4: 10.20%). In the fully adjusted model, Quartile 4 of B-Cd had a 25% increased odds of kidney stones compared to Quartile 1 (OR 1.55, 95% CI:1.01–2.39, p = 0.04). The association between B-Cd and kidney stones remained consistent across various demographic and clinical subgroups, with no evidence of statistically significant effect modification. Conclusions In US adults, B-Cd concentration showed a positive association with the odds of kidney stone. Cadmium exposure is positively associated with kidney stones. Further prospective investigations are required to determine whether monitoring B-Cd could be relevant in public health strategies for affected populations.