Renal calculi

From IDWiki

Epidemiology

  • 10% lifetime prevalence in men, 5% in women

Pathophysiology

  • Low urine output/poor oral intake
  • Increased uric acid, which precipitates in low pH
  • Low pH, which precipitates animal protein
  • Hypercalciuria
    • Genetic (familial)
    • Hypercalcemia: hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D
  • Increased oxalate
    • Genetic
    • Diet: nuts, greens, chocolate, etc.
    • IBD: fatty acids bind to calcium in gut, allowing oxalate absorbtion
    • Malabsorption
    • Vitamin C
  • Decreased citrate (i.e. 3 bicarbs), e.g. from RTA
  • Increased phosphate, e.g. from carbonated beverages, which precipitates in high pH
  • Urinary tract infection caused by urease-positive bacteria, leading to struvite stones
  • Urinary stasis, e.g. in polycystic kidney disease, medullary sponge kidney
  • Medications, especially HIV medications

Investigations

  • Dietary assessment
  • Electrolytes (especially for K and HCO3), calcium profile, PTH, urinalysis, urine microscopy
  • 24h urine collection, sent for
    • volume
    • creatinine, CrCl
    • Na, K, urea
    • calcium
    • oxalate
    • uric acid
    • phosphate
    • spot test for cystine
    • citrate and magnesium in a separate collection

Management

  • Imaging
  • Stone diet
    • Maintain urine output 2L/d
    • Low salt
    • Normal calcium
    • Increased fruit and vegetables
    • Moderate meat and alcohol
  • Potassium citrate 20mEq BID, to increased citrate and pH of the urine
  • Hydrochlorothiazide, to decrease urine calcium
  • Allopurinol, to decrease urine urate