Definition:
Nephrocalcinosis is a condition wherein calcium salt deposits affect the function of the kidney. The condition is most commonly seen as an incidental finding for medullary sponge kidney through an x-ray of the abdomen.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is confirmed with performing necessary laboratory tests like the Sulkowitch urine test to investigate calcium level in combination with diagnosing the signs and symptoms present in the patient.
Treatment:
The effective treatment approach for Nephrocalcinosis is to immediately correct the calcium imbalance; after which maintenance therapy is greatly necessary to correct the underlying cause of Nephrocalcinosis.
Symptoms and Signs:
Nephrocalcinosis produce symptoms that are similar to nephritis including:
* Reduced and cloudy urine or increased urine
* Fluid retention in a body part (edema)
* Calcium deposits in the kidney
* Impaired kidney function
* Increased thirst
* Hypertension
* Bloody tinge or presence of blood in the urine
Causes:
Causes of Nephrocalcinosis are subdivided based on the type of Nephrocalcinosis: cortical Nephrocalcinosis and medullary Nephrocalcinosis.
Cortical Nephrocalcinosis is caused by many factors including: acute cortical necrosis, chronic glomerulonephritis, Alport syndrome, long drawn-out hypercalcemia and/or hypercalciuria, renal transplant rejection.
Medullary Nephrocalcinosis is caused by any of the following: hyperparathyroidism, medullary sponge kidney, renal tubular acidosis, renal papillary necrosis, and renal tuberculosis, excessive urinary excretion of oxalate (hyperoxaluria), milk-alkali syndrome, immobility, hypervitaminosis D, and Sarcoidosis
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