Nephrolithiasis in children
1. What is Nephrolithiasis?
Nephrolithiasis is defined as the presence of stones in the urinary system (kidneys-ureters)
2. What are the most common signs and symptoms associated with nephrolithiasis?
- Acute pain located in the lumbar and/or abdominal area along the ureters
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dysuria
- Hematuria (red urine)
*If nephrolithiasis is suspected (after contacting the Pediatrician), a Pediatric assessment should be performed immediately at the on-call Hospital for further investigation and treatment!
3. Treatment of nephrolithiasis at home (after initial assessment in hospital)
- Administration of analgesics (Paracetamol) and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen)
- Hydration according to instructions
4. When should a stone be removed by a Pediatric Urologist?
- Stones < 5mm are usually expelled automatically, without intervention.
- Stones that cause obstruction, regardless of their size, must be removed.
- Stones that do not cause symptoms but do not pass spontaneously after 3-4 weeks of ultrasound monitoring can be removed after a pediatric urological evaluation to prevent a future episode of urinary tract obstruction.
5. Signs that will lead us back to the Hospital for immediate Pediatric evaluation
- Severe pain that does not respond satisfactorily to medication
- Nausea – Vomiting
- Fever
6. When is it necessary to perform a Pediatric Nephrology reassessment of the patient after the initial diagnosis?
The Pediatric Nephrology reassessment should be performed ~ 3 weeks after the diagnosis for a complete investigation of nephrolithiasis with special blood tests and metabolic urine testing.
7. What should we pay attention to with the child’s diet?
After the analytical results of the laboratory test, detailed nutritional instructions will be given individually.
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