Diagnosis and management of non-calcium-containing stones in the pediatric population

In the Treatment of Lower Pole Kidney Stones Between 1-2 cm in Children, Which is the Best Approach? Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery or Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Objectives

Kidney stones are treated with many methods, but there is no consensus on which method should be preferred for 1-2 cm lower renal stones. In our study, we aimed to investigate the results of mini (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) PCNL and (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) RIRS in lower renal pole 1-2 cm stones.

Methods

Twenty-four mini PCNL and 55 RIRS patients were included in the study. Demographic data of the patients and information about stones on Non-Computed Tomography (NCCT) were recorded. Stone-free status (SFR), need for additional treatment and complications of both methods were compared.

Results

Operative time was 55.2±20.8 min in mini PCNL and 70.7±36.5 min in RIRS, which was statistically significantly lower (p=0.002). Length of hospital stay was 2.4±1.5 days in the mini PCNL and 1.3±0.7 days in the RIRS, which was statistically significantly longer (p=0.011). In the postoperative 1st month and 3rd month stone-free rates (SFR) were higher in the mini PCNL group. While the 1st month SFR was 91.6% and 54.5%, the 3rd month stone-free rates were 95.8% vs. 69.1%, respectively (p<0.001). The need for re-treatment was statistically lower in the mini PCNL group (p<0.001). In terms of complications, the incidence of complications was 16.6% (pain in 2 patients, fever in 1 patient, need for blood transfusion in 1 patient) in the mini PCNL group and 21.8% (pain in 2 patients, fever in 8 patients, sepsis in 2 patients) in the RIRS group. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.008).

Conclusion

Mini PCNL has a higher SFR, less need for re-treatment and fewer complications.

Analysis of the Components of 236 Cases of Urinary Stones in Xinjiang Uyghur Children

INTRODUCTION

 The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between clinical characteristics and urinary calculus in Xinjiang Uyghur children, and to provide clinical basis for the prevention as well as treatment of urinary stone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 In total, 236 urinary tract stone samples were collected from pediatric patients from February 2017 to April 2019, and those samples were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. Stone compositions were compared with demographic data.

RESULTS

 Among the 236 cases, 166 cases were boys (70.34%) and 70 cases were girls (29.66%), with a male-to-female ratio of 2.37:1. A total of 21 kinds of calculi were detected, including 107 cases with six kinds of simple calculi and 129 cases with 15 kinds of mixed calculi. In this study, magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate was only found in boys, and the difference was statistically significant (6.6 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.037). There were statistical differences in the age distribution of children with ammonium hydrogen urate, calcium oxalate, and other stone components (p < 0.05), while there were no statistical differences in the age distribution of children with apatite carbonate, magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate, and anhydrous uric acid. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the localization of calculi between male and female children (upper urinary tract stones: 78.9 vs. 98.6%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

 Uyghur pediatric patients with urolithiasis were young and the majority of stones was mixed, The main components of calculi were ammonium hydrogen urate, calcium oxalate and apatite carbonate, and there are differences in the localization of calculi between genders.

Diagnosis and Management of Nephrolithiasis in Children

The incidence of kidney stones in children is increasing. Approximately two-thirds of pediatric cases have a predisposing cause. Children with recurrent kidney stones have an increased higher risk of developing chronic kidney. A complete metabolic workup should be performed. Ultrasound examination is the initial imaging modality recommended for all children with suspected nephrolithiasis. A general dietary recommendation includes high fluid consumption, dietary salt restriction, and increased intake of vegetables and fruits. Depending on size and location of the stone, surgical intervention may be necessary. Multidisciplinary management is key to successful treatment and prevention.

Hyperuricosuria and hypercalciuria, probable etiologies of functional abdominal pain: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Functional abdominal pain (FAP) is a common complaint causing several referrals to pediatricians. On the other hand, the most common presentation of hyperuricosuria and also hypercalciuria is chronic/recurrent abdominal pain. Therefore, a hypothesis has been raised; abdominal pain due to hyperuricosuria and/or hypercalciuria may be misdiagnosed as FAP. The current study has aimed to respond to this theory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a case-control study conducted on children diagnosed with FAP based on Rome IV criteria and age-matched normal controls. Blood and random urine samples were taken from healthy children and those with FAP. Random urine samples were examined for calcium, uric acid, oxalate, and creatinine concentrations. Random urine calcium to urine creatinine above 0.2 mg/mg was considered hypercalciuria and random urine uric acid above 0.56 mg/dl, GFR as hyperuricosuria. The data were analyzed using logistic models.

RESULTS

Hypercalciuric children had a significantly lower chance of FAP (odds ratio [OR] =0.425, 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.204-0.886). Although an inverse association was seen between hyperuricosuria and FAP (OR = 0.693, 95% CI = 0.395-1.214), it was not statistically significant. In stratified analyses by gender for both hyperuricosuria and hypercalciuria, a marginal inverse significant association was seen in male gender (P < 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that hypercalciuria is significantly in inverse association with FAP but not hyperuricosuria. Therefore, these disorders, particularly hyperuricosuria may not be considered as the possible causes of FAP. Further studies with larger sample size for providing more reliable evidence are recommended.