[Nephrocalcinosis in children]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Renal Medicine
• Calcium Metabolism Disorders

Context:

• Nephrocalcinosis (NC) involves calcium salt deposition in the renal medulla.
• Causes are diverse, including genetic, iatrogenic, and extrarenal factors.
• Understanding NC in children requires analyzing associated conditions and metabolic profiles.

Purpose:

• To analyze associated diseases, clinical signs, metabolic issues, growth, and renal function in pediatric NC.
• To evaluate outcomes during follow-up after treatment of underlying conditions.

Summary:

• 34 children with NC (21 M, 13 F, avg. age 7.8 months) were studied.
• Most were asymptomatic at diagnosis; renal function was normal in 33.
• Common symptoms included failure to thrive, abdominal pain, proteinuria/hematuria.
• Associated conditions: tubulopathies, medullary sponge kidney, Short Bowel Syndrome, endocrine disorders.
• Metabolic abnormalities: hyperoxaluria (47%), hypercalciuria (20%), hypercalcemia (15%).
• Follow-up showed normal growth (87%) and stable renal function (90%), with 3 developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Impact:

• Treatment of underlying conditions promotes catch-up growth and renal function stabilization in most pediatric NC patients.
• Therapeutic interventions do not appear to reduce the degree of nephrocalcinosis.
• Highlights the importance of managing associated diseases for improved pediatric renal outcomes.