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Updated: May 27, 2026

Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Kidney stones
Timothy Y Tseng1, Glenn M Preminger
1University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Introduction:
The age of peak incidence for stone disease is 20 to 40 years, although stones are seen in all age groups. There is a male to female ratio of 3:2.
Methods And Outcomes:
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of interventions for stone removal in people with asymptomatic kidney stones? What are the effects of interventions for the removal of symptomatic renal stones? What are the effects of interventions to remove symptomatic ureteric stones? What are the effects of interventions for the management of acute renal colic? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2011 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Results:
We found 21 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
Conclusions:
In this systematic review, we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antispasmodic drugs, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, intravenous fluids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, oral fluids, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy.
Insights
This systematic review evaluates interventions for kidney and ureteric stones. It found 21 studies on treatments like NSAIDs, ureteroscopy, and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for stone removal and renal colic management.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Kidney stone disease affects all age groups, with peak incidence between 20-40 years.
- The male to female ratio for stone disease is 3:2.
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 managing acute renal colic.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 21 studies including systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational studies.
- Searched major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to June 2011.
- Included harms alerts from regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA).
Main Results:
- Evaluated the effectiveness and safety of various interventions.
- Included antispasmodic drugs, NSAIDs, opioids, and intravenous/oral fluids.
- Covered procedures like extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy.
Conclusions:
- Presents information on the effectiveness and safety of reviewed interventions.
- Provides evidence for managing kidney and ureteric stones.
- Highlights key treatments for renal colic and stone removal.
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Kidney Structure

