Educational Review: Role of the Pediatric Nephrologists in the Work-up and Management of Kidney Stones

Overview

Journal Pediatr Nephrol

Specialties Nephrology
Pediatrics

Date 2019 Jan 5

PMID 30607567

Citations 10

Authors

Carmen Ines Rodriguez Cuellar

Peter Zhan Tao Wang

Michael Freundlich

Guido Filler

Affiliations

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Abstract

Background: The incidence of nephrolithiasis in children and adolescents is increasing and appears to double every 10 years. The most important role of the pediatric nephrologist is to diagnose and modify various metabolic and non-metabolic risk factors, as well as prevent long-term complications especially in the case of recurrent nephrolithiasis.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing literature on the etiology and management of pediatric nephrolithiasis.

Results: The incidence of kidney stones is increasing; dietary and environmental factors are probably the main causes for this increased incidence. In most pediatric patients, the etiology for the kidney stones can be identified. Metabolic factors, such as hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia, urinary tract infection, and urinary stasis, constitute leading causes. Herein, we review the etiologies, diagnostic work-up, and treatment options for the most prevalent causes of kidney stones. The detrimental effects of excessive dietary sodium, reduced fluid intake, and the benefits of plant-based over animal-based protein consumption on urinary crystal formation are discussed. We also review the long-term complications.

Conclusions: Pediatric nephrologists have an important role in the diagnostic work-up and prevention of recurring nephrolithiasis.

Citing Articles

Environmental determinants in the development of kidney stone.

Dong C, Yang Y, Cheng B, Yang S, Wang Y Urolithiasis. 2025; 53(1):43.

PMID: 40029430 DOI: 10.1007/s00240-025-01717-0.

International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) guidelines on the management of pediatric urolithiasis.

Zeng G, Zhu W, Somani B, Choong S, Straub M, Maroccolo M Urolithiasis. 2024; 52(1):124.

PMID: 39230669 DOI: 10.1007/s00240-024-01621-z.

A case of diffuse kidney hyperechogenicity in early childhood associated with biallelic PKHD1 variants.

Krall P, Faundes V, Galvez C, Cavagnaro F Pediatr Nephrol. 2024; 39(9):2633-2636.

PMID: 38502226 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-024-06348-y.

In focus: perplexing increase of urinary stone disease in children, adolescent and young adult women and its economic impact.

Filler G, Dave S, Ritter V, Ross S, Viprakasit D, Hatch J Front Med (Lausanne). 2023; 10:1272900.

PMID: 37937142 PMC: 10626457. DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1272900.

Urinary KIM-1 is not correlated with gestational age among 5-year-old children born prematurely.

Restrepo J, Torres-Canchala L, Bonventre J, Arias J, Ferguson M, Villegas A Front Pediatr. 2023; 11:1038206.

PMID: 37020658 PMC: 10067877. DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1038206.

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