Abstract
Background Vitamin D supplementation is widely prescribed to correct vitamin D deficiency, but its impact on urinary stone recurrence in patients with a history of urolithiasis (stone formers) remains uncertain. Methods We conducted this retrospective cohort study at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 353 adult stone formers were categorized as non-supplemented (n = 235) or supplemented (n = 118), with stratification by dose (≤800 IU daily, 10,000 IU weekly, and 50,000 IU weekly). The primary outcome was the recurrence of urolithiasis. Secondary outcomes included time-to-recurrence and dose-response. Statistical methods included chi-square testing, Kaplan-Meier analysis, subgroup comparison, and multivariable logistic regression. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from electronic medical records using a standardized data collection form. Results The mean age of patients was 45.5 ± 14.3 years, with males comprising 68.3% of the cohort. Recurrence occurred in 32.8% of non-supplemented and 45.8% of supplemented patients (absolute risk increase = 13.0%). Multivariable analysis showed higher odds of recurrence with supplementation (adjusted OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.01-2.71; p = 0.047). Recurrence rates differed significantly by dose category (p = 0.049), with the highest in the 50,000 IU group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in time-to-recurrence (p = 0.071). Conclusions In this retrospective cohort of known stone formers, vitamin D supplementation, particularly at higher doses, was associated with a greater risk of recurrence. These findings support the possible need for a more individualized, dose-conscious approach to supplementation in stone-prone patients.