Washington, May 16 (IANS) Latest research indicates that global warming could have another unwanted spin-off - it may spur the formation of kidney stones. Dehydration, particularly in warmer climes and higher temperatures, will only exacerbate this effect. Consequently, the prevalence of stone disease may increase, along with the costs of treatment.

Using published data bearing on temperature-dependence of stone disease, researchers applied predictions of temperature increase to determine the impact of global warming on the incidence and cost of kidney stone disease.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated significant increases in temperature by 2050.

These findings were presented at the ongoing 103rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association.