Renal stones

• 75% of stones are calcium salts
  • less soluble in alkaline urine
  • also: uric acid due to
    • gout - purine metabolism defect
    • cancer chemotherapy
  • oxalic acid (dietary, antifreeze)
• Signs:
  • renal colic (flank, groin pain due to strong ureter contractions)
• Treatment:
  • lithotripsy
  • increased fluid intake
  • acidifying the urine (eg. ascorbic acid)
  • dietary calcium restriction
  • cholestyramine binds oxalic acid

See Nephrolithiasis/Urolithiasis