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CHILDHOOD BLADDER STONES-AN ENDEMIC DISEASE OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Insights
Bladder stones are a significant public health issue in young children, particularly in underserved regions. Key risk factors include poor diet, dehydration, and low socioeconomic status, necessitating targeted public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Bladder calculi (stones) are a common pediatric health concern, especially in rural and underprivileged communities.
- The study addresses the prevalence and contributing factors of bladder stones in children within a specific underserved region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of bladder stones in children.
- To identify the primary risk factors associated with bladder stone formation in the pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on children who underwent surgery for bladder stones.
- Data collected included demographics, dietary habits, medical history (diarrhea, UTIs), and socioeconomic factors.
- Diagnostic tools included urine analysis, CBC, renal function tests, ultrasound, and KUB X-rays.
Main Results:
- 113 children (97 males, 16 females) were included, all from the Tharparker desert area.
- The mean age was 8.6 years, with most frequent symptoms being difficulty in micturition (67.25%) and urinary retention (15.9%).
- Significant associations were found with recurrent diarrhea (65%), recurrent UTIs (45.6%), and anemia (up to 79.55% of patients).
Conclusions:
- Bladder stones represent a substantial public health problem in pediatric populations.
- Young children, particularly those under 5, are disproportionately affected.
- Low protein diet, dehydration, goat milk consumption, and poor socioeconomic conditions are identified as major risk factors.
Background:
Bladder calculi are one of the commonest health problems in young children especially in rural and underprivileged areas.
Methods:
All children of bladder stones operated at District Headquarter Hospital Mithi from July 2009 to June 2012 were included in this cross-sectional study. Data was collected regarding age, sex, address (rural or urban), body weight, duration of breast feeding, weaning, detailed dietary history regarding milk type, volume, amount of water intake, recurrent diarrhoea, urinary tract infection (UTI), family history, and socioeconomic history. Urine analysis, complete blood count (CBC), renal function, ultra sound abdomen, X-ray kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) was done in all patients. All patients had cystolithotomy and were followed up till complete recovery.
Results:
A total of 113 children (97 males and 16 females) operated at District Headquarter Hospital Mithi Tharparker were included in study. All patients belonged to local desert areas of Tharparker. Age ranged from 18 months to 14 year (mean age 8.6 year). Most frequent symptom was difficulty in micturition in 76 (67.25%) patients, urinary retention in 18 (15.9%) and stone with pyuria and fever in 12 (10.6%) patients. Recurrent episodes of diarrhoea (more than 3 episodes per year) in 73(65%) patients, recurrent UTI in 51 (45.6%), family history of stone disease in 6 (5%) and associated rectal prolapse in 3 (2.6%) patients. On x-ray KUB 111 (98%) patients had single stone in bladder, 2 (2%) had multiple stones and an associated renal and ureteric stone in 5 (4.5%). Mild anaemia (Hb 7-10 gm%) was seen in 35 (39.55%) patients, moderate anaemia (Hb 5-7 gm %) was seen in 21(24%) and severe anaemia (Hb less than 5 gm%) was seen in 14 (16%) patients. All patients had open cystolithotomy for removal of stones under general anaesthesia.
Conclusion:
Bladder stones are public health problem. Majority of affected patients were less than 5 years old. Low protein diet, dehydration, use of goat milk and poor socio-economic conditions were major risk factors identified for development of bladder stones.
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