1153 Pediatric Renal Stone Management in Africa: A Scoping Review and Analysis of Current Practices

Abstract

Abstract Aim Renal stones are solid deposits formed from minerals and salts that develop within the kidneys and urinary tract. While the condition is more common among adults, children and even infants can also be affected. There is an increasing incidence of paediatric renal stones in Africa alongside multiple challenges faced in managing the condition. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the management modalities of paediatric renal stones in Africa. Method This study utilised Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. A systematic search was conducted in three electronic databases: PUBMED, African Journal Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar, with 1,180 articles curated. After extensive examination, ten articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. Results The review found that calcium oxalate stones were the most prevalent type, accounting for 34.03% of cases, followed by whewellite stones and ammonium urate stones. The kidney was the most frequent location for stones, and the most common symptom was pain. Abdominopelvic ultrasound was the most frequently utilised investigation. Of the 886 patients managed for renal stones, 75.4% were managed surgically, 2.9% medically, and 21.7% spontaneously resolved without intervention. Conclusions This review identifies opportunities for improving the management of paediatric renal stones in Africa, including the need for standardised diagnostic and treatment protocols and the development of evidence-based guidelines tailored to the African context. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the patterns and management of paediatric renal stones in Africa and highlights the need for further research to improve its management in the region.