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Idiopathic hypercalciuria in children: prevalence and metabolic characteristics
Insights
Idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH), common in adults, may originate in childhood. Early management of childhood IH can lead to significant long-term health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Metabolic Bone Disease
Background:
- Idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) is a recognized condition in adults.
- Screening for IH in children with minor complaints is feasible.
Observation:
- A urine calcium/creatinine ratio (Ca/Cr) identified 17 of 273 children with borderline or high calcium levels.
- Eleven of these children were boys.
Findings:
- Further metabolic studies were conducted on seven children with high Ca/Cr, including those with symptomatic renal stones.
- These findings suggest that idiopathic hypercalciuria may have its origins in childhood.
Implications:
- Early detection and management of childhood idiopathic hypercalciuria are crucial.
- Initiating treatment in childhood may offer significant long-term health benefits for affected individuals.
Abstract:
A group of 273 children with minor complaints was screened for idiopathic hypercalciuria by measurement of the urine Ca/Cr. Borderline or definitely high levels were noted in 17 of these children, 11 of whom were boys. More intensive metabolic studies were completed on four of these children and on three children who were noted to have symptomatic renal stones associated with idiopathic hypercalciuria. These studies suggest that IH, well recognized in adults, may have its origins in childhood and that appropriate management, if initiated in childhood, may have significant long-term benefits.