Updated: Jul 25, 2008
Hypercalciuria is defined by a 24-hour urinary calcium excretion more than 150 mg in an adult female, more than 200 mg in an adult male, or more than 4 mg/kg/d in a child who weighs less than 60 kg. In infants younger than 3 months, 5 mg/kg/d is considered the upper limit of normal for calcium excretion.
Hypercalciuria can be classified as idiopathic or secondary. Idiopathic hypercalciuria can be diagnosed when clinical, laboratory, and radiographic investigations fail to delineate an underlying cause. Secondary hypercalciuria occurs when a known process produces excessive urinary calcium. Elevated urinary calcium occurs by 3 primary mechanisms, as follows: (1) the filtered load of calcium is abnormally increased without an adequate compensatory increase in tubular calcium reabsorption, (2) the filtered calcium load is normal but tubular calcium reabsorption is reduced, or (3) the filtered load is increased and the reabsorbed load is reduced. A good screening test for hypercalciuria compares the ratio of urinary calcium to creatinine. To validate the screening test, an accurately timed urinalysis should be used to confirm any positive screens.
Urinary excretion of calcium is the result of the complex interplay of the GI tract, bone, and the kidney, which is regulated by multiple hormones. Hypercalciuria is believed to be a polygenic trait and is significantly influenced by diet.
Idiopathic hypercalciuria is the most common metabolic abnormality in patients with calcium kidney stones. Subjects with idiopathic hypercalciuria have a generalized increase in calcium turnover, which includes increased gut calcium absorption, decreased renal calcium reabsorption, and a tendency to lose calcium from bone. Despite the increase in intestinal calcium absorption, a negative calcium balance is commonly seen in balance studies, especially in patients on a low-calcium diet. The mediator of decreased renal calcium reabsorption is unclear; it is not associated with either an increase in filtered renal calcium or altered parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.
An increased incidence of hypercalciuria is observed in first-degree relatives of individuals with idiopathic hypercalciuria, but it appears to be a complex polygenic trait with a large contribution from diet to expression of increased calcium excretion. Increased tissue vitamin D response may be responsible for manifestations of idiopathic hypercalciuria in at least some patients.1,2
Hypercalciuria occurs in as many as 10% of children.
Incidence varies, with rates of 3-7% in Eastern Europe. Incidence and prevalence data from nonindustrialized countries are lacking; however, calcium-containing urinary stones occur in children from all parts of the world.
Idiopathic hypercalciuria has no ethnic, racial, or gender predominance among children in the United States. Secondary hypercalciuria occurs in a distribution consistent with the underlying etiology.
Idiopathic hypercalciuria occurs with equal frequency in boys and girls.
Hypercalciuria can occur at any age, including newborns. The peak incidence of idiopathic hypercalciuria is in children aged 4-8 years. The age distribution of children with secondary hypercalciuria reflects that observed in the underlying etiology.
In children with hypercalciuria, microcrystallization of calcium with urinary anions has been suggested to lead to injury of the uroepithelium. Consequently, when taking the history of the illness, attempt to identify symptoms relating to the urinary tract. Pay particular attention to the following items:
Some clinical manifestations are age dependent. For instance, irritability may be the only manifestation in infants, but a teenager may experience renal colic and hematuria.
Other important aspects of the history include the following:
Perform a thorough physical examination in all children with suspected or proven hypercalciuria. Quite often, no abnormalities are detected during the physical examination, and the diagnosis is made by history and laboratory evaluation. However, some children may have signs of hypercalcemia, including hypertension, dehydration, weakness, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Moreover, many children with secondary hypercalciuria may have physical examination findings consistent with the underlying disease process, such as those observed in hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, sarcoidosis, and adrenal insufficiency.
As the name implies, the cause of idiopathic hypercalciuria is not known. Several theories have been published, and some data supports certain aspects of these theories; however, these theories cannot yet be uniformly applied to a large patient population. Studies that examined metabolic balance have reported increased absorption of calcium from the intestine. In some instances, this process has been shown to be independent of vitamin D or a result of increased gut sensitivity to vitamin D.
In other patients with hypercalciuria, the proportion of calcium excreted into the urine is higher than normal, regardless of dietary intake of calcium. In fact, some patients have been found to have higher than normal urinary calcium despite lower than normal dietary intake, suggesting decreased renal tubular reabsorption.
This renal tubular leak is possibly a result of a mutational defect in one or more ion channels. Another proposed mechanism involves an imbalance of calcium deposition and reabsorption in bone that is independent of PTH or vitamin D. In addition, a combination of these factors may contribute to the high amounts of urinary calcium observed in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria.
| Acute Poststreptococcal
Glomerulonephritis | Medullary Sponge Kidney |
| Bartter Syndrome | Nephritis |
| Disorders of Bone Mineralization | Pyelonephritis |
| Enuresis | Rickets |
| Hematuria | Sarcoidosis |
| Hypercalcemia | Uric Acid Stones |
| Hypercalciuria | Urinary Tract Infection |
| Hyperparathyroidism | Urolithiasis |
| Hypophosphatemic Rickets | Wilms Tumor |
| IgA Nephropathy | Xanthinuria |
| Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis |
Each of the following items has been associated with hypercalciuria and should be considered when evaluating a child with this disorder:
Keep in mind that, although idiopathic hypercalciuria is the most commonly diagnosed entity in the above list, it is a diagnosis of exclusion, and efforts should be made to exclude these other processes. Also, remember that hypercalcemia, for whatever reason, can give rise to hypercalciuria as the body attempts to lower serum calcium concentrations. This may represent appropriate physiologic compensation rather than true renal disease.
An even longer list of factors can produce symptoms and/or urinary abnormalities that can overlap with those observed in children with hypercalciuria. Until the diagnosis of hypercalciuria is made, consider the items listed above when evaluating a child with frequency/urgency, dysuria, and/or hematuria.
As stated in the previous section, many different processes and disease states can produce overlapping symptoms and similar findings on urinalysis. A directed stepwise approach is important in the evaluation of a child with symptoms or a history compatible with hypercalciuria to avoid unnecessary expense, exposure to radiation, and patient discomfort. The first task is to document hypercalciuria. Looking for commonly associated urinary findings or problems that can produce similar symptoms is also easy and inexpensive. Consequently, the initial approach to any child with urgency, hematuria, or suspected hypercalciuria should include the following:
Several imaging studies may be helpful in identifying underlying renal abnormalities or nephrolithiasis.
The goals of therapy in children with hypercalciuria should be the elimination of symptoms, prevention of renal stone formation, and preservation of kidney function.
Dietary modification is a mandatory part of effective therapy. The child should be referred to a dietitian to accurately assess daily calcium, animal protein, and sodium intake. As previously mentioned, a trial of a low-calcium diet can be done transiently to determine if exogenous calcium intake is contributing to the high urinary calcium. However, great caution should be used when trying to restrict calcium intake for long periods.
Because of the concern regarding poor bone matrix calcification and subsequent osteoporosis, no child should receive less than the daily recommended intake (DRI) of calcium for long periods without careful monitoring. If the dietary calcium is restricted to less than the DRI, bone density measurements and growth parameters should be taken at regular intervals to monitor the development of osteoporosis and growth retardation. Reducing sodium and animal protein to the DRI may facilitate lowering of urinary calcium. However, the authors recommend that great caution be used when placing any child on a diet with less than the DRI of calcium and that a dietitian be consulted for assistance. If this does not provide the desired results of symptom relief, prevention of nephrolithiasis, and normalization of calcium excretion (<4 mg/kg/d), pharmacotherapy should be initiated.
Another indication for starting medication is evidence of bone demineralization or history of previous renal stone formation despite a low calcium diet. Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and other thiazide-type diuretics are the agents most frequently used to treat hypercalciuria. These agents are discussed further in the Medication section.
Lithotripsy may be needed to remove a urinary stone that is not spontaneously passed and is associated with urinary obstruction.
Reduction of dietary calcium lowers urinary calcium but may increase urinary oxylate. The new calcium-oxylate product may result in supersaturation.4
Surgical care is not usually necessary in children with hypercalciuria unless an underlying urological abnormality is present that predisposes a child to develop renal stones. Rarely, sonographic techniques are insufficient to remove a renal stone, and surgery is needed to relieve an obstruction.
A pediatric nephrologist should evaluate and treat any child with proven or suspected hypercalciuria. Once hypercalciuria is diagnosed, a pediatric dietitian should be consulted to help construct an appropriate diet. In cases where urological abnormalities are detected or renal stones form without prompt spontaneous passage, a pediatric urologist should be involved in caring for the child.
Dietary modifications are important components in treating children with hypercalciuria. General guidelines that are applicable to most children with hypercalciuria include the following:
No limitations of activity are needed, but an effort should be made to ensure adequate fluid intake with increased insensible losses (eg, exercise).
Thiazide diuretics are used in children with hypercalciuria that is not adequately controlled with dietary modifications alone. Poor control is indicated by persistent symptoms, nephrolithiasis, or urine calcium excretion higher than 4 mg/kg/d despite the DRI of calcium, sodium, and animal protein. Thiazide diuretics are also used upon evidence of bone demineralization on diets with less than the DRI of calcium.
Thiazides work by increasing calcium reabsorption at the level of the distal nephron and, thus, lowering urinary calcium. HCTZ is the agent most commonly used, but other thiazide or thiazide-type diuretics can be used, including trichlormethiazide and chlorthalidone. Despite the common use of thiazides, no long-term clinical trials have been performed documenting their efficacy and safety in children. Parents should be notified of this and understand the risks and benefits before initiating therapy.
Used to lower urinary calcium in children with idiopathic hypercalciuria. May be used in children with hypercalciuria >4 mg/kg/d that do not respond to dietary modifications. It may also be used in children who are at high risk for urinary stones (eg, previous urinary stone, strong family history of stones) or decreased bone density on a low calcium diet.
25-100 mg PO qd; not to exceed 200 mg/d
1-2 mg/kg/d PO
Increases risk of postural hypotension with coadministration of antihypertensives; increases potential for hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia and subsequent cardiotoxicity when coadministered with ACE inhibitors, digoxin, or corticosteroids; antagonizes sulfonylurea effect by decreasing glucose tolerance; increases risk of hyperglycemia when coadministered with diazoxide; increases lithium serum levels; may antagonize effect of antigout medications by causing hyperuricemia; NSAIDs decrease diuretic effect; probenecid increases thiazide levels
Hypersensitivity to thiazide diuretics or sulfonamides, renal impairment (clearance less than 30% normal), anuria, breast feeding, diabetes mellitus
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Renal or liver failure; may produce electrolyte abnormalities (hypokalemia, hyponatremia); may increase uric acid or serum lipids
Reduces calcium excretion through direct tubular effects.
15-60 mg/d PO
1-2 mg/kg/d PO
Increases risk of postural hypotension with coadministration of antihypertensives; increases potential for hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia and subsequent cardiotoxicity when coadministered with ACE inhibitors, digoxin, or corticosteroids; antagonizes sulfonylurea effect by decreasing glucose tolerance; increases risk of hyperglycemia when coadministered with diazoxide; increases lithium serum levels; may antagonize effect of antigout medications by causing hyperuricemia; NSAIDs decrease diuretic effect; probenecid increases thiazide levels
Hypersensitivity to thiazide diuretics or sulfonamides, renal impairment (clearance less than 30% normal), anuria, breast feeding, diabetes mellitus
D - Fetal risk shown in humans; use only if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Renal or liver failure; may produce electrolyte abnormalities (hypokalemia, hyponatremia); may increase uric acid or serum lipids
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Escribano J, Balaguer A, Martin R. Childhood idiopathic hypercalciuria--clinical significance of renal calyceal microlithiasis and risk of calcium nephrolithiasis. Scand J Urol Nephrol. 2004;38(5):422-6. [Medline].
Borghi L, Schianchi T, Meschi T, et al. Comparison of two diets for the prevention of recurrent stones in idiopathic hypercalciuria. N Engl J Med. Jan 10 2002;346(2):77-84. [Medline].
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Gonzalez C, Ariceta G, Langman CB, Zibaoui P, Escalona L, Dominguez LF, et al. Hypercalciuria is the main renal abnormality finding in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected children in Venezuela. Eur J Pediatr. May 2008;167(5):509-15. [Medline].
Heiliczer JD, Canonigo BB, Bishof NA, Moore ES. Noncalculi urinary tract disorders secondary to idiopathic hypercalciuria in children. Pediatr Clin North Am. Jun 1987;34(3):711-8. [Medline].
Kang JH, Choi HJ, Cho HY, et al. Familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis associated with CLDN16 mutations. Pediatr Nephrol. 2005;20(10):1490-3. [Medline].
Polinsky MS, Kaiser BA, Baluarte HJ, Gruskin AB. Renal stones and hypercalciuria. Adv Pediatr. 1993;40:353-84. [Medline].
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Richmond W, Colgan G, Simon S, et al. Random urine calcium/osmolality in the assessment of calciuria in children with decreased muscle mass. Clin Nephrol. 2005;64(4):264-70. [Medline].
hypercalciuria, idiopathic hypercalciuria, secondary hypercalciuria, kidney stones, renal stones, colic, osteoporosis, Paget disease, bone marrow transplantation, nephrolithiasis, human immunodeficiency virus, HIV infection, hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, sarcoidosis, adrenal insufficiency
Sahar Fathallah-Shaykh, MD, Assistant Professor in Pediatric Nephrology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Division of Kidney Diseases, Children's Memorial Hospital
Sahar Fathallah-Shaykh, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Nephrology
Disclosure: emedecine Honoraria Other
Taylor Troischt, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Pediatrics, Cheat Lake Physicians, West Virginia University
Taylor Troischt, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Richard Neiberger, MD, PhD, Director of Pediatric Renal Stone Disease Clinic, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, University of Florida College of Medicine and Shands Hospital
Richard Neiberger, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Federation for Medical Research, American Medical Association, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, Christian Medical & Dental Society, Florida Medical Association, International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis, International Society of Nephrology, National Kidney Foundation, New York Academy of Sciences, Shock Society, Sigma Xi, Southern Medical Association, Southern Society for Pediatric Research, and Southwest Pediatric Nephrology Study Group
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Deogracias Pena, MD, Medical Director of Dialysis, Department of Pediatrics, Cook Children's Medical Center; Clinical Associate Professor, Texas Tech University School of Medicine
Deogracias Pena, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, and American Society of Pediatric Nephrology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine.com, Inc
Disclosure: Pfizer Inc Stock Investment from broker recommendation; Avanir Pharma Stock Investment from broker recommendation
Frederick J Kaskel, MD, PhD, Director of the Division and Training Program in Pediatric Nephrology, Vice Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein School of Medicine
Frederick J Kaskel, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Heart Association, American Pediatric Society, American Physiological Society, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, American Society of Transplantation, Eastern Society for Pediatric Research, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, International Society of Nephrology, National Kidney Foundation, New York Academy of Sciences, Renal Physicians Association, Sigma Xi, and Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Howard Trachtman, MD, Program Director, Pediatrics Research, Schneider Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Professor, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Howard Trachtman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Hypertension, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, and Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Craig B Langman, MD, The Isaac A Abt, MD, Professor of Kidney Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University; Division Head of Kidney Diseases, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago
Craig B Langman, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society of Nephrology, and International Society of Nephrology
Disclosure: Amgen Grant/research funds None; Abbott Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Altus Pharmaceuticals Grant/research funds None; Genzyme Grant/research funds None; Merck Grant/research funds None; NIH Grant/research funds None
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