Kidney stone disease

The number of children who developed kidney stones has increased over the past two decades, mainly due to changes in food habits (which is high in salt and meat intake) and decreased water intake. These are the genetic factors that one or more family members have a history of kidney disease and dietary factors. Children under two years of age may also have underlying structural problems in the kidneys.

Most common presenting features are painful urination, severe abdominal pain often associated with nausea and vomiting and passing blood in the urine. Occasionally, the child may present with urinary tract infection or recurrent stomach pain.

Ultrasonography (USG) is sensitive, safe and inexpensive research to detect kidney stones, its size and the presence of obstruction. Urine and blood tests are performed for the first time to identify the underlying metabolic cause of stone formation. On rare occasions, a CT scan or additional research may be needed.

Therapy of stone disease

There are three aspects to therapy –

(I) The medical treatment includes oral medications to prevent enlargement of the stones. These medications are administered for three to six months. Stones usually less than 8 mm have a very good chance to get out spontaneously.

(II) The surgical treatment in children with large stones exceeding 12 mm, and stones associated with obstruction, infection, and one kidney. Children less than 20 percent require surgical treatment.

(III) Prevention of recurrence - this is important so that the child develops stones on several occasions.

In summary

Kidney problems can occur in children, both because of genetic or structural or acquired after birth problems. Early detection and management of these problems can definitely improve both short- and long-term outcome.

Some preventive aspects in children:

a)    Verification test urine in children under age two young children with unexplained high fever to rule out urinary tract infection

b)      Encourage children over three years old to pass urine in a relaxed manner, every 2-3 hours during the day

c)       The daily consumption of fruits and vegetables

d)      Moderate decrease in salt intake and meat products in the diet of the family

e)      More of outdoor activities to minimize excess weight

f)       Avoid murderer pain medication intake, such as Nimesulide, Ibuprofen

g)      Controlling blood pressure once a year for each child beyond three years old

h)      Detecting a renal disease if the child is not growing well, anemia, high blood pressure, blood in the urine, body swelling or recurrent urinary tract infections.