The Journal of urology
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The Journal of urology · Nov 2014
ReviewEvaluation and medical management of kidney stones in children.
We review the current literature on the diagnostic evaluation and dietary and pharmacological management of children with nephrolithiasis. ⋯ The incidence of kidney stone disease in children is increasing, yet few randomized clinical trials or high quality observational studies have assessed whether dietary or pharmacological interventions decrease the recurrence of kidney stones in children. Collaborative efforts and randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of alternative treatments for children with nephrolithiasis, particularly those with calcium oxalate stones and concomitant hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia. Additional areas in need of study are the optimal length of time for a trial of stone passage in children, the cost-effectiveness of medical expulsive therapy vs analgesics alone, and the size and location of stones for which medical expulsive therapy is most effective.