Nephrocalcinosis is a health condition marked by too much calcium being deposited in your kidneys, often in association with hypercalcemia. The abnormal amount of calcium in the kidneys is typically found at the site of previous inflammation or tissue deterioration. And nephrocalcinosis is most commonly seen in premature babies, particularly those receiving loop diuretics.
Causes of Nephrocalcinosis
Nephrocalcinosis is caused by any health condition that produces high levels of calcium in your blood or urine. Some of the health related conditions that may be causing your nephrocalcinosis are:
- sarcoidosis
- Alport syndome
- vitamin D toxicity
- Bartter syndrome
- hyperparathyroidism
- parathyroid adenoma
- renal tubular acidosis
- AIDS related infections
- ethylene glycol toxicity
- tuberculosis of the kidney
- Familial hypomagnesemia
- kidney transplant rejection
- chronic glomerulonephritis
- drugs ~ acetazolamide, amphotericin B, triamterene
Because symptoms of nephrocalcinosis itself usually do not occur until later in the disease process, an early finding is often incidental. Some nephocalcinosis symptoms that might occur are:
- dysuria
- nocturia
- polyuria
- flank pain
- hematuria
- urine retention
- swelling, edema
- kidney infection
- frequent urination
- urine incontinence
Most of these symptoms can be caused by other kidney problems too.
Nephrocalcinosis is not the same as nephrolithiasis, or kidney stones. Although kidney stones are on of its complications, as well as kidney failure.
Nephrocalcinosis Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no treatment available to remove calcium deposits that have already accumulated. Instead, treating nephrocalcinosis entails preventing any further calcium from collecting in your kidneys. As such, treatment typically involves using drugs or procedures to reduce calcium concentration in your blood and urine, for instance:
Also, treating the underlying cause is vital to prevent future calcium excess.