Nephrolithiasis Description and Analysis

Nephrolithiasis is a condition in which stones or crystals, termed as calculi are formed within the renal pelvis or tubular lumen of individuals[1]. Internationally, nephrolithiasis occurs in all parts of the world and the prevalence of it is increasing by year[2], with recurrent rate up to 50% within 5 years and 70% or higher within 10 years[3].

My father, aged 52, was diagnosed with Nephrolithiasis when he was 37 years old. Later, he had his first ureteroscopy laser surgery to remove the stone, in which it was calcium stone and approximately two centimeters in size. After surgery, he had to do routine follow-up care every six to twelve months and follow dietary therapy recommended by his doctor. 4 years later, he developed the symptoms of acute renal colic attacked. After several lab tests and imaging studies, he was confirmed to have recurrent nephrolithiasis and underwent an endoscope surgery to remove the stone obstruction.

Nephrolithiasis gives a huge impact on the patient, due to pain and discomfort. My father described acute renal colic as “the most painful event in his whole life, worse than being on surgery.” Increase in financial burden can also be seen in term of drug and surgery, which some may not afford for it. Therefore, a better prophylactic treatment should be assessed before raising people’s hope.

Presently, the standard preventive treatment is dietary therapy. In which it includes high water intake to increase urine output, with a target of 2 to 2.5 liters of total urine volume in 24 hours. Plus, low dietary salt and soft drink intake, as well as high dietary of citrus fruit intake[4]. Alternatively, further research found that pharmacological therapy such as diuretic like agents and alkaline citrate could i...

... middle of paper ...

... and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Clinical Urology, 2011. 37(5): p. 6.

13. Robinson, M.R., et al., Impact of Long-Term Potassium Citrate Therapy on Urinary Profiles and Recurrent Stone Formation. The Journal of Urology, 2009. 181: p. 6.

14. Parmar, M.S., Kidney stones. BMJ, 2004. 328(4): p. 5.

15. Borghi, L., et al., Randomized Prospective Study of a Nonthiazide Diuretic, Indapamide, in Preventing Calcium Stone Recurrences. Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, 1993. 22: p. S78-86.

16. ALONSO, D., et al., Effects of short and long-term indapamide treatments on urinary calcium excretion in patients with calcium oxalate dihydrate urinary stone disease: A pilot study. Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology, 2012. 46: p. 5.

17. Hall, P.M., Nephrolithiasis:Treatment, causes, and prevention. Cleveland Clinic Journal Of Medicicne 2009. 76(10): p. 583-591.