Urolithiasis in Tunisian children: a study of 100 cases

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Urology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Renal stone disease in children presents unique challenges.
• Understanding the epidemiological and etiological profiles of pediatric urolithiasis is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical and biological characteristics of kidney stone disease in children from Tunisia's coastal region.
• To identify trends in the composition and location of urinary stones in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, multi-center study involving 100 children under 16 with urinary stones.
• Review of patient charts for demographics, clinical presentation, and laboratory/radiological findings.
• Infrared spectrophotometry for stone analysis.

Main Results:

• The male to female ratio was 1.5:1, with dysuria being the most common symptom.
• Upper urinary tract stones occurred in 76% of cases; 13% had positive urine cultures.
• Whewellite (calcium oxalate) was the predominant stone type (77%), often found in the upper tract, while struvite stones were more common in the lower tract.

Conclusions:

• The epidemiological profile of pediatric renal stones in Tunisia is evolving, with a rise in calcium oxalate stones and upper tract involvement.
• The traditional male predominance in pediatric urolithiasis appears to be diminishing in the region.