Stone Disease of the Urinary Tract in Children: Clinical Presentation, Diagnostic Methods, Therapeutic Management, Evolution and Prognosis

The incidence of stone disease of the urinary tract in children is increasingly increasing with a remarkable economic impact for its management.

This incidence is variable according to race, geographic region, socio-economic status and dietary habits.

Oxalo-calcium stones are the most common but the biochemical nature of urinary stones varies depending on the region where those of a phosphatic nature are characterized by a higher incidence in Europe.

The diagnosis is confirmed by imaging. The unprepared abdomen (ASP) has low diagnostic accuracy. The scanner is the reference tool but remains an irradiating examination.

Risk factors for disease recurrence include primarily the presence of an underlying urinary metabolic abnormality and young age. Urinary metabolic abnormalities vary from one study to another.

The understanding of lithogenesis, its evaluation as well as the therapeutic options is essential for adequate and adapted management in the pediatric population.