Characteristics of sialolithiasis in Israel, a big-data retrospective study of 5100 cases

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for sialolithiasis patients using a large community and hospital-based cohort. Methods: A retrospective case–control study was conducted on 20,396 individuals, including 5100 sialolithiasis patients and 15,296 matched controls. Demographics and laboratory data were obtained from electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were performed to identify significant differences between the two groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Sialolithiasis was more prevalent in women, with a mean age at diagnosis of 55.75 years. Several geographic location variables emerged as risk factors for sialolithiasis including Israeli birth, higher socioeconomic communities, and specific areas of residency. Tobacco smoking (odds ratio = 1.46) was a significant risk factor. Low high-density lipoprotein levels, elevated triglycerides, and elevated amylase levels were associated with sialolithiasis. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the demographic and laboratory characteristics of sialolithiasis patients, indicating that area of residency and lifestyle factors contribute to the risk of developing sialolithiasis. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the disease and the development of preventative measures or early diagnostics tools.