About Pediatric Stones

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there has been a steep rise in kidney stones diagnosed in children as well as young adults in the United States. 

There are many reasons why stone formation has increased in children, including:

• Increased salt intake
• Poor fluid intake
• A decrease in physical activity with an increase in sedentary activities such as television and video games
• Widespread obesity

Genetic conditions also place children at risk for stone disease. 

Pediatric patient populations that are more prone to recurrent stones include children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, neurogenic bladder, spina bifida, genitourinary disorders and patients on anti-seizure medications.

Nationally, hospital admissions for children for pain control and/or surgical procedures related to urinary stones are on the rise. 

Cincinnati Children’s has seen a tremendous increase in the number of children with stone disease.  Over the past 10 years it is estimated that our new outpatient referrals for urinary stones have doubled.