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Immobilization, a risk factor for urinary tract stones in children. A case report
C E Müller1, M Bianchetti, G Kaiser
1Children's University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Bern, Switzerland.
Insights
Immobilization can cause bone loss, leading to high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia) and urine (hypercalciuria) in children. Early kidney stone formation occurred in a 10-year-old boy after just 8 days of bedrest.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Bone Metabolism
- Urolithiasis
Background:
- Immobilization is a known risk factor for bone demineralization.
- This process can lead to hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria, particularly in children.
- Underlying kidney conditions can exacerbate these effects.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy developed kidney stones after only 8 days of immobilization.
- The patient was on bedrest following pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
- Stone formation was observed in the pelvis of his healthy left kidney.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited unusually rapid stone formation during immobilization.
- This case highlights the potential for early onset of immobilization-induced urolithiasis.
- The findings suggest a heightened risk in pediatric patients with pre-existing renal conditions.
Implications:
- Early recognition of immobilization-induced hypercalciuria and hypercalcemia is crucial in pediatric care.
- Understanding risk factors can guide preventative strategies.
- Further research into treatment and prophylaxis for this condition is warranted.
Abstract:
Immobilization causes bone dissolution leading to hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria in children. We report the case of a 10-year-old boy who developed 2 stones in the pelvis off his left healthy kidney after only 8 days of immobilization. He was on bedrest after pyeloplasty done for a ureteropelvic junction obstruction on the right side. Compared to references in literature our patient showed stone formation very early during the course of immobilization. Temporary hypercalciuria and stone formation are well documented because of underlying kidney disease. The risk factors of immobilization-induced hypercalciuria and hypercalcemia are discussed together with possible treatment and prophylaxis of this pathology.