Affiliations: Department of Urology, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar
Kartal Research and Training Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
Note: [] Corresponding author: Kemal Sarıca, Department of
Urology, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar, Research and Training Hospital,
İstanbul, Turkey. Tel.: +216 441 39 00; Fax: +216 305 51 10; E-mail:
saricakemal@gmail.com
Abstract: Pediatric urolithiasis is an endemic disease in certain parts of the
world, namely Turkey and the Far East. As a recurrent pathology which may
reveal functional as well and morphologic changes in the urinary tract,
environmental factors together with urogenital abnormalities should be
evaluated thoroughly in each patient. The aims of management should be complete
clearance of stones, treatment of urinary tract infections, and preservation of
renal function and prevention of stone recurrence. In addition to certain
minimally invasive stone removal procedures, treatment of pediatric
urolithiasis requires a detailed metabolic evaluation in all patients on an
individual basis. Obstructive pathologies have to be corrected immediately and
children with a positive family history should be followed carefully with
respect to a high likelihood of stone re-growth and recurrence. Although
specific management of each metabolic abnormality seems to be the key factor in
the medical management of stone disease, as general advice each child should be
forced to adequate fluid intake which will reveal the urine volume increase in
accordance with the body mass index. Moreover, medical therapeutic agents that
increase urine citrate levels should be encouraged.
