Urinary lithiasis in pediatrics

Abstract

Renal lithiasis is an infrequent entity in childhood, and its incidence has decreased in developed countries. Affects white individuals more than African Americans in a 4: 1 ratio, with a predominance of males. There are geographic, racial, genetic factors involved in its pathogenesis, which also depends on physicochemical factors (renal elimination of water and solutes, urinary pH, balance between stimulating factors/inhibitors of crystallization), anatomical alterations, infections and socioeconomic changes. Over time, changes have occurred in dietary habits, which has changed the frequency, chemical composition and location of the stones. Despite its rarity, lithiasis must be considered in order to avoid irreversible kidney damage. The availability of less aggressive therapy has reduced surgical indications to 5%, opening new perspectives in the treatment of urolithiasis in childhood.