What is nephrocalcinosis?
Nephrocalcinosis is a kidney disorder in which there is excess calcium deposited in the kidneys. Specifically, calcium deposits form in the kidney tissue itself and, in most cases, both kidneys are affected. In addition, nephrocalcinosis is often related to kidney stones, although they are not the same disease.
What are the symptoms?
In most cases, there are no early warning signs of nephrocalcinosis other than the condition causing the disorder. However, people who, in addition to nephrocalcinosis, suffer from kidney stones, may present:
- Blood in the urine
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the abdominal area, both sides of the back, in the groin or in the testicles, in the case of males.
In addition, late symptoms of nephrocalcinosis may be related to chronic renal failure.
Causes of nephrocalcinosis or why it occurs
Any condition that causes calcium levels in the blood or urine to rise can be considered a cause of nephrocalcinosis. There are certain conditions that can cause nephrocalcinosis:
- Alport syndrome
- Bartter’s syndrome
- Chronic glomerulonephritis
- Familial hypomagnesemia
- Medullary cancellous kidney
- Primary hyperoxalurias
- Rejection of kidney transplantation
- Renal tubular acidosis
- Renal cortical necrosis
In addition, other causes include:
- Ethylene glycol toxicity
- Hypercalcemia or excess calcium in the blood
- Use of drugs such as acetazolamide, amphotericin B and triamterene
- Sarcoidosis
- Tuberculosis of the kidney or AIDS-related conditions
- Vitamin D toxicity
Is it preventable?
Nephrocalcinosis can only be prevented by properly treating those disorders related to high levels of calcium in the kidney. If these conditions are treated early, they can help prevent nephrocalcinosis.
What is the treatment?
Treatment of nephrocalcinosis aims to reduce symptoms and prevent further buildup of calcium in the kidneys. This will include methods to reduce the levels of calcium, phosphate and oxalate in the blood and urine. Such methods include changing the diet or taking certain medications and vitamin supplements.