Kidney stones

Ranan Dasgupta1, Jonathan Glass, Jonathon Olsburgh

  • 1Imperial College Healthcare Trust, London, UK.

Abstract

Insights

This systematic review evaluates interventions for kidney and ureteric stones. It found 21 studies on treatments like lithotripsy and medications, assessing their effectiveness and safety for stone removal and renal colic management.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Nephrology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Kidney stone disease affects all ages, with peak incidence between 20-40 years.
  • A male predominance is observed, with a 3:2 male to female ratio.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review interventions for asymptomatic and symptomatic kidney stones.
  • To evaluate treatments for symptomatic ureteric stones.
  • To assess interventions for acute renal colic management.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of 21 studies including systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational studies.
  • Searched major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to May 2008.
  • Included harms data from FDA and MHRA.

Main Results:

  • Evaluated evidence quality using GRADE methodology.
  • Included studies on various interventions for stone removal and pain management.

Conclusions:

  • Presents information on the effectiveness and safety of antispasmodic drugs, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, intravenous fluids, NSAIDs, opioids, oral fluids, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy.
  • Provides a comprehensive overview of current interventions for kidney and ureteric stones.

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