Which frequency is better for pediatric shock wave lithotripsy? Intermediate or low: a prospective randomized study.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Nephrolithiasis Treatment
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Background:

• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is a primary treatment for pediatric kidney stones.
• The optimal SWL frequency for pediatric patients remains undetermined.
• This study investigates the efficacy and safety of different SWL frequencies in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare low-frequency (60 SWs/min) versus intermediate-frequency (90 SWs/min) SWL in children.
• To evaluate success rates, complications, cardiac arrhythmias, anesthesia duration, and efficiency quotient (EQ).
• To determine the optimal SWL frequency for pediatric kidney stone treatment.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study included 71 children with radiopaque renal stones treated with SWL.
• Patients were divided into two groups: low-frequency (60 SWs/min) and intermediate-frequency (90 SWs/min).
• Univariate analysis compared outcomes between the two groups.

Main Results:

• Success rates were similar: 81.6% for low-frequency and 87.9% for intermediate-frequency SWL.
• Stone-free rates varied across sessions but were comparable overall.
• Median anesthesia time was significantly shorter for intermediate-frequency SWL (32 min) compared to low-frequency (74.5 min).
• Efficiency quotient was higher in the intermediate-frequency group (64.07 vs. 57.83).

Conclusions:

• Both low and intermediate frequencies of SWL demonstrate comparable success rates in pediatric kidney stone treatment.
• Intermediate-frequency SWL offers a significant advantage by reducing anesthesia time.
• Further research may refine frequency selection for improved pediatric SWL outcomes.