Pediatric Origins of Nephrolithiasis-Associated Atherosclerosis

Objectives To determine if nephrolithiasis-associated atherosclerosis has pediatric origins and to consider possible association between kidney stones and atherosclerosis-related proteins. Study design We matched children aged 12-17 years with kidney stones and without kidney stones. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) was measured by ultrasound. Participants' urine was investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the atherosclerosis-related proteins fibronectin 1, macrophage scavenger receptor 1, osteopontin, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 levels, and normalized to urine creatinine levels. Results Subjects with nephrolithiasis had higher cIMT in the right common carotid artery and overall mean measurement. Urine osteopontin and fibronectin 1 were significant predictors of cIMT. Conclusions We have provided initial preliminary evidence that nephrolithiasis-associated atherosclerosis has pediatric origins and performed studies that begin to identify potential reasons for the association of nephrolithiasis and vascular disease.