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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
Published on: June 2, 2022
Low bone density in children with hypercalciuria and/or nephrolithiasis.
Andrew L Schwaderer1, Robert Cronin, John D Mahan
1Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA. schwadea@pediatrics.ohio-state.edu
Many children with hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis have low bone density. Risk factors like urine profiles and growth parameters require further investigation to identify low bone density in pediatric kidney stone patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Bone Metabolism
- Urolithiasis Research
Background:
- Hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis are common in children.
- Low bone density is a concern in pediatric populations.
- The relationship between these conditions and bone health is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of low bone density in children with hypercalciuria and/or nephrolithiasis.
- To investigate if 24-hour urine stone-risk profiles and growth parameters can predict low bone density.
- To analyze differences in bone density based on clinical presentation (hypercalciuria vs. nephrolithiasis).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 110 pediatric patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria and/or kidney stones.
- Collected data included 24-hour urine stone-risk profiles and dual-energy X-ray densitometry (DXA) scans.
- Patients were categorized into low vs. normal bone density groups and hypercalciuria vs. nephrolithiasis groups for analysis.
Main Results:
- Overall, 47% of patients had a bone density z-score < -1, and 26% had a z-score < -2.
- Children with low bone density showed higher body mass index and lower urine creatinine and ammonium levels.
- Nephrolithiasis patients exhibited lower bone density z-scores compared to those with hypercalciuria alone.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of children with hypercalciuria and/or nephrolithiasis present with low bone density.
- Clinicians should consider bone density screening in pediatric patients with these conditions.
- Further research is needed to understand the impact of treatment on bone density and its long-term progression.
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