Urinary stones in children

Urinary stones were previously thought to be uncommon in the paediatric age however this may be due to differences in presentation and evaluation of children with stones. There are variations in the incidence worldwide; affected by diet and climate. Common aetiological factors are metabolic changes, urinary tract abnormality and urinary tract infections. The patho-physiological processes leading to stone formation are multifactorial involving interplay of increasing concentration of particles in urine, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphates, oxalates, alteration in urine pH and a decrease in the flow of urine or stasis. Presentation may be acute or non-specific and varied thus diagnosis is often difficult or delayed and a wide range of imaging techniques, urine and serum biochemical analysis are needed for evaluation. Treatment must also be directed towards removing the underlying cause(s) of the stone where this is identified as well as dealing with the pathological affects of the stone if recurrence is to be minimized. Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol. 7(3&4) 2005: 238-24