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Management of urolithiasis in pregnancy

Authors Semins MJ, Matlaga BR

Received 11 July 2013

Accepted for publication 17 August 2013

Published 30 September 2013 Volume 2013:5 Pages 599—604

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S51416

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3



Michelle Jo Semins,1 Brian R Matlaga2

1University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; 2Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA

Abstract: Kidney stones are very common and unfortunately do not spare the pregnant population. Anatomical and pathophysiological changes occur in the pregnant female that alter the risk for development of nephrolithiasis. Acute renal colic during pregnancy is associated with significant potential risks to both mother and fetus. Diagnosis is often challenging because good imaging options without radiation use are limited. Management of diagnosed nephrolithiasis is unique in the pregnant population and requires multi-disciplinary care. Herein, we review the metabolic alterations during pregnancy that may promote kidney stone formation, the complications associated with acute renal colic in the pregnant state, and our proposed diagnostic and management algorithms when dealing with this clinical scenario.

Keywords: kidney stones, nephrolithiasis, pregnancy

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