Risk factors evaluation for urolithiasis among children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Urology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Pediatric urolithiasis affects 0.01-0.03% of children, with recurrence rates from 16-67%.
• Risk factors include anatomical, metabolic, and environmental influences, often associated with metabolic abnormalities.
• Identifying these factors is crucial for managing and preventing pediatric kidney stones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific risk factors contributing to urolithiasis in a pediatric population.
• To investigate the association between metabolic parameters and the occurrence of kidney stones in children.
• To understand the multifactorial nature of pediatric urolithiasis.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 24-hour urine and blood samples from 162 children with urolithiasis and normal renal function.
• Assessed metabolic parameters, urinary tract infections, and evaluated the effects of calcium restriction and load.
• Employed statistical analysis to determine the significance of various risk factors.

Main Results:

• Hypocitraturia (70%) and hypomagnesuria (42%) were the most prevalent risk factors.
• Hypercalciuria (37%) was also significant, with other factors including alkaline urine (21%), metabolic acidosis (20%), and urinary infections (16%).
• Nephrocalcinosis, oliguria, urinary tract anomalies, hyperuricosemia, hypermagnesemia, hypercalcemia, hyperoxaluria, and hypercystinuria were also observed.

Conclusions:

• Low urinary citrate and magnesium levels are primary risk factors for pediatric urolithiasis.
• Hypercalciuria is another significant contributing factor.
• Children often present with multiple concurrent risk factors for kidney stone formation.