| Abstract: | Paediatric renal stone disease is uncommon but its incidence is increasing. There has been a shift from predominantly infective stones to a higher rate of metabolic stones. It may present with non-specific symptoms of abdominal pain, haematuria, recurrent urinary tract infections, or may even be found incidentally. Ultrasound scanning should be the first line of imaging in children with suspected renal calculi. If detected, this should be followed by a thorough investigation of underlying causes with blood and urinary analyses to investigate metabolic causes, and further imaging to detect anatomical anomalies and for surgical planning, if required. Acute management consists primarily of good analgesia, hydration and management of sepsis, if present. Surgery may rarely be indicated in an obstructed system. There is a range of surgical options for the definitive management of renal calculi. The selection of a particular treatment modality is dependent on multiple factors. Renal calculi can recur and cause co-morbidities including renal impairment leading to the need for renal replacement therapy. Therefore, patients should be managed proactively. This short article outlines what paediatricians and healthcare professionals caring for children need to know about the diagnosis, management and appropriate referral onwards of children with renal stone disease. |
