Nephrocalcinosis is a kidney disorder in which there is an increased amount of calcium in the kidneys. Nephrocalcinosis is caused by surplus excretion of calcium by the kidney, renal tubular acidosis, medullary sponge kidney, hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood), renal cortical necrosis, and tuberculosis. Nephrocalcinosis is relatively common in premature infants, partly from intrinsic kidney calcium losses and partly from enhanced calcium excretion when they are given diuretics. Nephrocalcinosis may eventually result in acute obstructive uropathy or chronic obstructive uropathy, leading to eventual kidney failure.
Other causes of Nephrocalcinosis includes rejected renal transplants can give rise to Nephrocalcinosis. Sickle cell disease is a rare cause of nephrocalcinosis. Sickle cell disease is connected to infection. Vitamin B6 deficiency can be related with xanthurenic aciduria that is linked to deficiency of the phosphate dependent enzyme kynureninase. It is a rare cause of ephrocalcinosis. Nephrocalcinosis can be divided into three categories. Chemical nephrocalcinosis: increased concentration of calcium in renal cells, especially the tubular epithelium, causing adverse effects on renal structure and function.
Microscopic nephrocalcinosis: calcium precipitates in crystalline form as oxalate and/or phosphate, but it is only seen with the aid of a microscope. Macroscopic nephrocalcinosis: large areas of calcification can be seen. There are generally no early symptoms. The symptoms associated to nephrocalcinosis may includes urinary hesitancy, dribbling of urinary incontinence, decrease in the force of the urinary stream, stream small and weak, increased urinary frequency or urgency, painful urination (burning or stinging with urination), feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder and blood in the urine.
Other symptoms of nephrocalcinosis involves nausea, vomiting, swelling, fluid retention, seizures, blood in the vomit or stools and easy bruising or bleeding. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms. Aluminum Hydroxide is used in patients with Struvite or infection. Sodium or potassium citrate can be used. Maintain adequate fluid intake to prevent further calcium deposition, development of renal failure and development of renal stones. Calcium supplements and use of medium chain fats may also help with this condition. Prevention is better than cure. Renal tubular acidosis may help prevent nephrocalcinosis.
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