The Emergence of Kidney Stone Disease During Childhood-Impact on Adults
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Published on: February 9, 2021
Jeremy R Bonzo1, Gregory E Tasian2,3,4,5,6,7
1Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Insights
Kidney stone disease (nephrolithiasis) is rising in children, increasing risks for adults. Early diagnosis and lifelong management are crucial for preventing serious health issues.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pediatric Urology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Kidney stone disease (nephrolithiasis) is increasingly diagnosed in children.
- This trend necessitates understanding long-term health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review epidemiologic trends of kidney stone disease.
- Discuss the impact of rising pediatric nephrolithiasis on adults.
- Highlight extra-renal manifestations, surgical management, and secondary prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent epidemiologic trends.
- Analysis of the impact of childhood-onset nephrolithiasis on adult health outcomes.
- Examination of current management guidelines and treatment advancements.
Main Results:
- Pediatric kidney stone disease incidence is rising 5-10% annually.
- Nephrolithiasis is linked to increased risks of coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and decreased bone density.
- Endo-urologic advancements offer less invasive pediatric surgical options, yet guidelines are lacking.
Conclusions:
- Nephrolithiasis is a lifelong disorder of mineral metabolism starting in childhood.
- Recognizing associated serious conditions is vital for pediatric and adult urologists.
- Improved guidelines are needed for comprehensive pediatric kidney stone management.
Purpose Of Review:
The goal of this chapter is to review the recent epidemiologic trends of kidney stone disease and discuss the impact of the increasing incidence of nephrolithiasis among children on adults with respect to extra-renal manifestations, surgical management, and secondary prevention.
Recent Findings:
Among pediatric patients, kidney stone disease has been increasing at a rate of approximately 5-10% annually. Kidney stone disease has been associated with increased risks of coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and decreased bone mineral density, which is concerning for patients diagnosed at a young age. Improvements in endo-urology have allowed for less invasive surgical treatment of stones in the pediatric population. However, current guidelines often lack recommendations for evaluation, medical, and surgical management of children with kidney stone disease. Nephrolithiasis is a disorder of mineral metabolism, which is beginning during childhood with increasing frequency. Kidney stone disease often exists over the lifetime and is associated with serious conditions that are important for pediatric and adult urologists to recognize and consider in their evaluation and treatment of patients.
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