Urolithiasis in gel: an in vitro approach for Whewellite growth patterns to evaluate risk factors and management of urinary stones

Abstract

Whewellite crystals are most commonly found in kidneys, ureter and urinary bladder causing urolithiasis. The purpose of the present in vitro study was to observe the possible growth patterns and morphology of whewellite crystals. The study was carried out in U- shaped test tubes. Bow shape, donuts and their aggregates, dumbbell, platy, prismatic, rosette, styloid, X-shape and tetragonal bipyramidal crystals were observed. Energy Dispersive X-ray, Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopies and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to characterize the crystals. This study will be helpful to determine the promotion, modulation and inhibition of the crystals evaluate risk factors and prophylactic management of urinary stones.