Hypercalciuria

Hypercalciuria – General Information

Hypercalciuria is a disorder which is characterized by an excessive elimination of calcium during urination and which is the most common cause of the appearance of calcium stones in the kidney. There are some exact values of the quantity of calcium which is excreted and this is how doctors can identify this disease. However, these numbers are not always reliable and they do not necessary offer correct information, especially if we consider the fact that the calcium stones in the kidneys affect nowadays more and more people. In this situation, doctors suggest that the diagnosis should be based on the calcium concentration in the urine.

There are a large number of causes which lead to the appearance of Hypercalciuria; the most common ones include renal leak, renal phosphate leak, sarcoidosis, hyperthyroidism, vitamin D intoxication, renal tubular acidosis, prolonged immobilization, myeloma, leukemia, metastatic tumors, glucocorticoid excess or milk-alkali syndrome. Most of the kidney stones incorporate calcium in their composition and about one half of the calcium stones present Hypercalciuria; in such conditions, the disease can lead to more severe complications, such as osteoporosis and this is why is quite important for doctors to diagnose this disease as soon as possible. This disease is quite common and it affects millions of people every year all around the world. However, studies have shown that its appearance can differ from one area to another and it is more likely to appear in some countries which are characterized by poor socioeconomic conditions or in countries where the diets are based on animal protein.

Hypercalciuria - Symptoms

The common advice for those who suffer from Hypercalciuria is to reduce the quantity of calcium in their diet; however, recent studies have shown that this is not the way in which this disorder should be handled. These studies have also shown the fact that the patients who continue to eat food reach in calcium are those who present less new calcium stones. On the other hand, there are also other agents which increase the risk of suffering from this disease. These agents include excessive fiber, fluids, animal protein, carbohydrates and sodium in a person’s diet and alcohol and caffeine abuse. There are several types of Hypercalciuria which can appear. The most common type is the absorptive one, which is caused by an abnormal absorption of calcium in the gastrointestinal area. This can result in severe abdominal pain and discomfort.

The renal leak type of the disorder appears as the result of some defects in the kidney; this is, however, a mild type and does not cause any major complications. The resorptive form appears when the calcium in the bones is released in the organism; in this case, the sufferer will experience severe complications, such as hyperparathyroidism. The common symptoms in this case include general weakness, extreme pain in the bones and even impossibility to move. The most common signs and symptoms which have been reported by most of the patients who suffer from this disorder are the following: weakness, fatigue, vomiting, excessive urination, abdominal pain, bone pain, constipation or even personality changes due to the stress which may appear. 

Hypercalciuria – Treatment

If you notice any changes in what concerns your general health condition or if you experience any of the signs and symptoms described above, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. There are some common tests which can be done in order to obtain all the information about the levels of calcium in the organism and in the urine and the possible existence of some calcium stones in the kidneys. The first test which is recommended to all the possible sufferers should be taken while the patient is still feeling quite well and before he changes his usual diet. This test will offer information about the levels of sodium, phosphorus, creatinine, phosphates, uric acid, citrates, magnesium and sulfates in the body. In extreme cases, when the patients experience severe attacks and they need immediate hospitalization this test proves no effectiveness at all.

Another test which can be performed in the case of Hypercalciuria is a serum study. These tests will also give information about the risk of the appearance of other complications, such as renal failure, hyperparathyroidism or renal leak. After the doctor determines an exact diagnosis and the type of Hypercalciuria which the patient suffers from, he will choose the best way of treatment, considering the sufferer’s general health condition. However, the tests presented above should be repeated during the administration of the treatment in order to observe the evolution of the disease and the improvements.

The most common way of treating Hypercalciuria is changing the eating habits and establishing a dietary treatment guideline. This guideline usually contains one or more of the following advices: the patient has to reduce the quantity of calcium and oxalate in his diet (he should therefore avoid foods like chocolate, nuts, coffee and most of the vegetables), he should avoid high quantities of animal protein, sodium and fiber, he should renounce at alcohol and increase the intake of fluids. In what concerns the fact that a person who suffers from Hypercalciuria has to reduce the quantity of calcium in his daily diet, this is the most important measure which must be taken but the doctors should not recommend too strict a diet, as this can also lead to severe complications.  

The quantity of sodium also needs to be reduced because it can increase the rate of the stone formation in the kidneys. Doctors recommend some practical measures in order to reduce the quantity of sodium which a person usually intakes: the usage of other condiments, such as pepper, or some substitutes of salt, the elimination of  fast food from the daily diet or  the usage of a lower quantity of salt when cooking something. However, when the guideline proves ineffective, inadequate, unsustainable or it is not tolerated by the patient, the doctor must choose a complementary treatment. This usually consists of the administration of certain agents, such as bisphosphonates, thiazides, sodium phosphates, orthophosphates and diprydamole. The most important thing during the treatment of those who suffer from Hypercalciuria is the fact that they have to be supported by their family.