[Calcium stones: are current metabolic studies warranted in everyday practice?]

Calcium phosphate metabolism was thoroughly investigated in twenty-four patients with calcium nephrolithiasis and hypercalciuria. Increased absorption was demonstrated in twelve cases. In two patients findings suggested normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism. Results were normal in the remaining ten cases. Metabolic investigations failed to noticeably improve the specificity of therapeutic indications over the conventional prevention by adequate fluid intake and an appropriate diet. Nevertheless continuing metabolic investigations are needed as they allow more accurate designing of studies on renal lithiasis.