Pediatric urolithiasis in sub-saharan Africa: a comparative study in two regions of Cameroon.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the composition of caculi and the predisposing factors for stone nucleation and growth in children from two regions of Cameroon.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 21 children, 17 from the northern and 4 from the southern region, over a 6-year period. Data on age, diet, residence, clinical presentation, location of stone, and results of stone analysis were collated following a preestablished proforma. A computerized analysis of the data was carried out. The constituents of stone sections and nidus were assembled so as to determine the principal causes of stone nucleation and growth.

RESULTS: Pediatric urolithiasis was more common in the northern Sahelian belt of Cameroon. Males and rural dwellers were more commonly affected. Endemic (bladder) stone disease was found in the majority of the patients. All stones were mixed. The most frequent constituents of the stones were ammonium urate, struvites, and whewellite in descending order of percentage mean volume per stone. The nidus was available for study in only 10 stones, and its composition revealed heterogeneity of causes of nucleation. The commonest cause for stone formation and growth were infection and hyperuricosuria (malnutrition).

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric bladder stone disease is not uncommon in northern Cameroon. Many factors combined to predispose to stone nucleation and growth, but the level of socioeconomic development was preponderant. Stone composition indicated that urolithiasis in children was a heterogeneous disorder, but hyperuricosuria, insufficient diuresis, and infection associated with malnutrition seemed to be the most common causes.