Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Published on: April 4, 2025
Bladder stones in childhood: a descriptive study in a rural setting in Saravan Province, Lao PDR
Somphou Sayasone1, Peter Odermatt, Keomanivanh Khammanivong
1Institut de la Francophonie pour la Médecine Tropicale, Vientiane, Lao PDR. meditrop@laopdr.com
Insights
Childhood bladder stones are linked to malnutrition and early introduction of white rice. Further research is needed to develop preventive measures for pediatric urolithiasis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Global Health
Background:
- Bladder stones in children present unique clinical challenges.
- Understanding associated risk factors is crucial for prevention and management.
- Pediatric urolithiasis contributes significantly to surgical procedures in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe clinical presentations of childhood bladder stones.
- To identify associated risk factors, including nutritional status and dietary habits.
- To highlight the morbidity and social impact of pediatric bladder stones.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 40 children undergoing bladder stone removal.
- Data collection included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, and surgical procedures.
- Parental interviews assessed medical history, family history, and infant feeding practices.
Main Results:
- Bladder stone removal constituted 55% of pediatric surgeries.
- Impaired micturition (97%) and acute urinary retention (32%) were common symptoms.
- Severe malnutrition (BMI < 18.5) affected 92% of patients; 60% had recent diarrhea, 32% recurrent UTIs, 27% familial urolithiasis.
- Early introduction of white rice (72% by first week) and delayed dietary diversification (85% after 1 year) were noted.
Conclusions:
- Childhood bladder stones are associated with significant malnutrition and specific early dietary patterns.
- The morbidity and social cost of pediatric bladder stones are substantial.
- Prospective studies on nutritional factors are warranted to inform preventive strategies for pediatric urolithiasis.
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to describe clinical cases of childhood bladder stones and associated risk factors. Forty children (9 girls), aged 1-14-years old, (means 4.7 +/- 0.5 years), who underwent surgical stone removal in the Saravane Provincial Hospital during a 13-month period, were included. Bladder stone removal accounted for 55% of all surgical procedures performed on children. Most frequent symptoms were impaired micturition (97%) and acute urinary retention (32%). Body mass index was low, at < 18.5 in 92% of all cases, indicating serious associated malnutrition. Parental interviews disclosed a history of recent episodes of diarrhea (> 3 episodes in the previous year), recurrent urinary tract infection, and familial urolithiasis, in 60, 32, and 27% of patients, respectively. All children had been or were being breastfed, but 72% of the mothers introduced white rice into their children' diet as early as the first week of life, while 85% of them used to vary the food regimen (introducing meat, fish, fruit and vegetables) only after 1 year of age. This preliminary study suggests that the morbidity and social cost of childhood bladder stones may be high. A larger scale prospective and comparative study assessing their incidence and associated nutritional factors is warranted and feasible, and may lead to preventive measures.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
01:26Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
01:30Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
01:25Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management