Role of Carbonic Anhydrase and Urine Acidification in Calcium Nephrolithiasis

Abstract

Stones disease is an increasingly common form of renal disease that is associate with crystal deposition in the renal medulla. Kidney stones are composed predominantly of calcium, up to 10%-20% in the form of calcium phosphate and 80% of calcium oxalate. Some patients with calcium phosphate stones may have incomplete distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA). Chronic untreated metabolic acidosis increased the risk of nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinois and osteopenia. Several drugs have been associated with complete and incomplete dRTA and nephrolithiasis. Calcium phosphate stone formers should be evaluated for a genetic or acquired distal renal tubular acidosis since a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent stones recurrence.