Childhood urinary stones induced by melamine-tainted formula: how much we know, how much we don't know

Through screening, diagnosing, and treating childhood urinary stones induced by melamine-tainted formula, Chinese doctors obtained more experience with the clinical as well as the imaging features of the stones, although there still are many questions regarding melamine-associated stones. By reviewing the earlier reports on animals along with our recent experiences with humans, we concluded that there was no evidence either from animal experiments or from humans to support the direct toxicity of melamine on the kidney, although a feasible follow-up and assessment might be needed. It is also speculated that further studies on the mechanism of stone formation may need to take into account human internal metabolism changes and tubular function.