My thirteen year old son had two larger kidney stones removed in March.  Follow up appointments and test have shown his Calcium and Salt levels have soared.  We have been refered to an endocrinologist, what could this mean?  Is this normal for a teenager?
Hi, Thanks for your question. Noted your concern. Kidney stones with low calcium and salt levels in teenagers denotes possibility of metabolic disorders. One common form of metabolic disorder with this type of presentation requiring endocrinological evaluation is Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTS). In which kidneys fail to excrete acids (H+) from blood in urine. There are different type of RTS - Type 1, Type 2, Type 4. Type 1 & 2 are common in teenagers which are present with low potassium, low calcium, renal stones, developmental abnormalities, other nutrients' deficiency. In such cases there is a need for detailed clinical examination, blood tests to evaluate blood and urine pH along with electrolytes, other nutrients' deficiency, acid load challenge test. Treatment will depend upon underlying cause. Usually there is a need for salt supplement. Hope this helps you in taking appropriate decision. If so do vote as helpful.