Nephrocalcinosis
Nephrocalcinosis 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
Nephrocalcinosis 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.
Nephrocalcinosis 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.
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
Nephrocalcinosis 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.