What is Nephrocalcinosis

Nephrocalcinosis is a condition in which one or both renals is full of stones (located within the renal tissue). This condition is generally associated with an underlying disease such as renal tubular acidosis.

Causes of Nephrocalcinosis

Some common conditions are given below which may cause the Nephrocalcinosis -

1) Medullary sponge kidney
2) Tuberculosis
3) Renal cortical necrosis
4) Excess excretion of calcium by the kidney
5) Hypercalcemia
Fragments of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate provides nuclei that is responsible for the formation of stones. It may lead to complete kidney failure.

Signs and Symptoms of Nephrocalcinosis

Common symptoms are given below (there are no early symptoms) -
1) Back pain
2) Blooded urine
3) Painful urination
4) frequent urination
5) Urinary hesitancy
6) Feeling that there is some part of urine in bladder
7) Dribbling of urinary incontinence
8) Swelling
9) Feel vomiting (sometimes blood in the vomit)
10) Bleeding
11) Changes in mental status
12) Seizures

Treatment of Nephrocalcinosis

To reduce symptoms the treatment is required. If the cause is tubular acidosis, type 1 renal, vitamin D and calcium should not be given to correct bone disorders (associated with the condition because this will worsen Nephrocalcinosis).Medications which enhance calcium excretion should be discontinued, but always take suggestion with your doctor before discontinue any medication. There is need of proper treatment of the condition that results from Nephrocalcinosis disorder.

Prevention

There is no specific method of prevention but prompt treatment of causative disorders (including renal tubular acidosis) may help prevent Nephrocalcinosis.