Clinical profile of urolithiasis among hospitalized children- a single center study

Abstract

Introduction: Incidence of renal and bladder stones is increasing worldwide and many children presenting with pain abdomen are diagnosed to have renal calculi. There is high rate of recurrence of stones in children if full clearance is not achieved or metabolic evaluation is not performed. We analyzed the clinical profile of the children diagnosed to have Urolithiasis and admitted in pediatric ward of our institute over the period of 2 years (Jan 2015 to Dec 2016).

Methods: We conducted an Observational study done in Children <15 years diagnosed to have Urolithiasis based on Ultrasound findings and admitted in pediatric ward of Velammal medical college hospital, Madurai, Tamilnadu between January 2015 to December 2016. A total of 30 children were enrolled in this study and their demographic details, clinical presentation, investigations and management were analyzed.

Results: Pediatric urolithiasis was more common in boys (75%) with colicky pain abdomen (90%) as the predominant presenting symptom. Most of the children presented during the summer months. They had associated complications like urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis and Pelviureteric junction obstruction. Ureter was the commonest site of urolithiasis (18/30) and most of the children responded to medical management. The children who presented with recurrent symptoms during this study period were evaluated and diagnosed to have some underlying metabolic or genetic disorder.

Conclusion: Rising incidence of renal stones with acute colicky pain in pediatric age group is a worrisome problem as it causes school absenteeism and mental stress to the entire family. Urolithiasis in children needs complete evaluation to rule out underlying metabolic disorder. Complete evaluation of the underlying etiology is essential to prevent recurrence and further complications.