Etiologies and Short-term Outcome of Medullary Nephrocalcinosis in Children Medullary Nephrocalcinosis in Children
Journal of Pediatric Nephrology,
Vol. 13 (2025),
12 May 2026
https://doi.org/10.22037/jpn.v13i1.52033
Abstract
Background and Aim: Hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, hereditary renal tubular disorders,
and drug intoxication are the etiologies of nephrocalcinosis (NC) in children. This study
aimed to determine the etiologies and short-term outcomes (resolution rate) of NC.
Methods: Children aged ≤18 years with NC who were referred to the nephrology clinic of
an academic center from March 2003 to 2019 were considered for the study. The inclusion
criteria were measurement of serum creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus;
blood gas analysis; and random or 24-hour urine samples for creatinine and calcium levels.
Results: A total of 43 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 21 girls (48.8%). The
median age of patients was two years (10 months to 8 years). They were followed up for
a median of 9 months (1-34 months). Most cases had medullary NC grade I (76.8%). The
most common etiologies of NC were unknown (41.8%), idiopathic hypercalciuria (34.9%),
and idiopathic hyperoxaluria (18.6%), respectively. Seven cases (16.3%) had mixed
abnormalities. Resolution of NC at a follow-up of ≥ one year was uncommon (20%).
Conclusion: Idiopathic hypercalciuria and idiopathic hyperoxaluria were the most common
identified etiologies. Hereditary tubular disorders accounted for 16.3% of the cases.
Resolution of NC was uncommon, even in NC grade I, at a follow-up of ≥ one year.
- Medullary, Nephrocalcinosis (NC)
- Hypercalciuria
- Hyperoxaluria
- Distal renal tubular acidosis
- Outcome
How to Cite
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