Medical Nutrition Therapy for Pediatric Kidney Stone Prevention, Part 3: Cystinuria

Cystinuria is an inherited, genetic condition that causes hyper-excretion of cystine and other dibasic amino acids (lysine, arginine, and ornithine) in the urine due to impaired transport in the proximal renal tubules. The low solubility of cystine leads to precipitation and the formation of renal stones.1,2 While rare, this condition accounts for a relatively significant proportion of pediatric nephrolithiasis, up to 10% in children compared to 1% in adults.3,4 Furthermore, as compared to other causes of pediatric stone formation, cystinuria is more likely to result in frequent recurrence, morbidity, and need for medical interventions.
Source: Journal of Renal Nutrition - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Patient Education Source Type: research