KIDNEY STONES -scope-

Scope:
Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. In 2000, 2.7 million visits to the health care providers as well as more than 600,000 visits to the emergency departments for kidney stone problems were documented.
For unknown reasons, the number of persons, in the United States with kidney stones has been increasing over the past 30 years. The prevalence of stone-forming disease rose from 3.8% in the late 1970's to 5.2% in the late 1980's and early 1900's. White Americans are more prone to have kidney stones than are black Americans.
Men tend to be affected with kidney stones more frequently than women. The prevalence of kidney stones rises dramatically as men enter their 40's , and it continues to rise until they are in their 70's. For women, the prevalence of kidney stones peaks in their 50's.
Kidney stones tend to recur in persons who have had at least 1 episode of stone formation.
(information found @ Family Practice News)