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Paediatric Renal Stone Management in Africa: A Scoping Review and Analysis of Current Practices
Samuel O Davis1, Abdulahi Zubair1, Chiagoziem Anyakora1
1Urology, Surgery Interest Group of Africa, Lagos, NGA.
Insights
Paediatric renal stones are increasing in Africa. This review found calcium oxalate stones are most common, with surgery being the primary treatment for affected children. Further research is needed for better management.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Paediatric Nephrology
- Public Health in Africa
Background:
- Paediatric renal stones, while more common in adults, affect children and infants, with rising incidence in Africa.
- Management of paediatric renal stones in Africa faces numerous challenges.
- This scoping review provides an overview of current management practices for paediatric renal stones in Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the management modalities for paediatric renal stones in Africa.
- To identify patterns in the types, locations, symptoms, and investigations of paediatric renal stones.
- To highlight opportunities for improving paediatric renal stone management in the African context.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR checklist.
- A systematic search of PubMed, African Journal Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar was performed.
- 1,180 articles were screened, with 10 ultimately included in the review.
Main Results:
- Calcium oxalate stones were the most prevalent (34.03%), followed by whewellite and ammonium urate stones.
- The kidney was the most common stone location, pain the most frequent symptom, and abdominopelvic ultrasound the primary investigation.
- Surgical management was employed in 75.4% of 886 paediatric patients, with medical management in 2.9% and spontaneous resolution in 21.7%.
Conclusions:
- Standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols are needed for paediatric renal stones in Africa.
- Development of evidence-based guidelines tailored to the African context is crucial.
- Further research is essential to enhance the management of paediatric renal stones across the region.
Abstract:
Renal stones are solid deposits formed from minerals and salts that develop within the kidneys and urinary tract. While the condition is more common among adults, children and even infants can also be affected. There is an increasing incidence of paediatric renal stones in Africa alongside multiple challenges faced in managing the condition. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the management modalities of paediatric renal stones in Africa. This study utilised Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. A systematic search was conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed, African Journal Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar, with 1,180 articles curated. After extensive examination, 10 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. The review found that calcium oxalate stones were the most prevalent type, accounting for 34.03% of cases, followed by whewellite stones and ammonium urate stones. The most frequent location for stones was the kidney, and the most common symptom was pain. Abdominopelvic ultrasound was the most frequently utilised investigation. Of the 886 patients managed for renal stones, 75.4% were managed surgically, 2.9% medically, and 21.7% spontaneously resolved without intervention. This review identifies opportunities for improving the management of paediatric renal stones in Africa, including the need for standardised diagnostic and treatment protocols and the development of evidence-based guidelines tailored to the African context. Overall, this scoping review provides valuable insights into the patterns and management of paediatric renal stones in Africa and highlights the need for further research to improve the management of this condition in the region.
