Calcium oxalate urolithiasis in children: urinary promoters/inhibitors and role of their ratios

Diagnostic criteria for determination of inclination towards idiopathic calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis based on biochemical urine parameters are not sufficiently well defined in children. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of CaOx urolithiasis in children from concentrations of calcium, oxalate, citrate, and glycosaminoglycans in urine and their ratios, all standardized in respect to creatinine. We collected and analyzed 24-h urine samples of children with CaOx urolithiasis (n = 61) and compared with urine samples of matched control group of healthy children (n = 25). The study has showed that all stone formers have higher excretion of calcium (mmol/mmol creatinine), calcium/citrate (mol/mmol), and oxalate/(citrate x glycosaminoglycans) ratio (mol Ox x mol cr)/(mol Cit x g GAGs). ROC analysis of these variables gave criteria (> 0.28, > 1.07, and > 0.08, respectively) for distinguishing stone formers from healthy children. Biochemical urine parameters and their ratios (calcium, calcium citrate, and oxalate/(citrate x glycosaminoglycans) enable one to discriminate idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers from healthy children. Oxalate/(citrate x glycosaminoglycans) ratio per se can serve as an independent risk for stone formation. Conclusion: Using biochemical urine parameters and their ratios such as calcium, calcium/citrate, and oxalate/(citrate x glycosaminoglycans) enables one to determine diagnostic criteria towards idiopathic calcium oxalate urolithiasis in children.