Nephrocalcinosis is the buildup of calcium in the kidneys, which can cause symptoms such as bloody urine, vomiting, and chronic pain. Underlying medical conditions are often the cause, and treatment can prevent further calcium buildup. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as obstructive uropathy and kidney failure.
Nephrocalcinosis occurs when calcium builds up in the kidneys, the organs responsible for separating the body’s waste products from the blood before converting them into urine. Calcium is a naturally occurring substance that aids in muscle movement, blood clotting, and comprises bones and teeth, but too much can limit the body’s proper functioning. The condition is similar to kidney stones, which are small crystallized substances that build up in the kidneys due to dehydration. Nephrocalcinosis tends to be more common in babies born prematurely, but it can occur in anyone with conditions that affect the kidneys.
Minor cases of nephrocalcinosis usually have no symptoms. As the condition progresses and the calcium masses multiply or grow larger, you may experience bloody expulsion during urination, as well as vomiting or high fever. Chronic pain near the abdomen, thighs, back, or sides is another common symptom.
Underlying medical conditions that alter the amounts of calcium in the blood or urine are the cause of most cases of nephrocalcinosis. Hypocalcemia is a condition in which the blood or kidneys are prone to contain excess calcium. Another possible underlying cause is glomerulonephritis, a disorder that damages the filtering system of the kidneys. Tuberculosis, an organ infection caused by bacteria, can also contribute to excess calcium.
Nephrocalcinosis already present in the kidneys cannot be eradicated, but treatment can be given to prevent the amount of calcium from increasing further. Medications may be prescribed to address any pre-existing medical conditions causing calcium buildup. In severe cases, a person may need to be put on dialysis, a system that uses chemicals to manually remove waste from the kidneys since the organs cannot do it themselves.
If calcium deposits continue to build up or if the condition is not treated before the deposits become extensive, it can lead to serious or life-threatening health complications. A possible complication is obstructive uropathy, in which the passage that transfers urine from the kidneys to the bladder becomes narrowed or blocked. Because urine cannot go to the bladder, it stays in the kidneys and causes them to become overfilled and enlarged, which can cause irreversible kidney damage. Untreated cases of the condition can also lead to kidney failure, a potentially life-threatening condition that prevents the kidneys from removing any waste products from the body.
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