Urinary mucoprotein in pediatric urolithiasis.

Primary bladder stone is a common pediatric surgical problem in developing countries. Many theories are prevalent. The stone matrix theory is based on increased excretion of its precursor, the uromucoid (the urinary mucoprotein). Uromucoid, studied in urine and stones by the electroimmunodiffusion technique in 49 cases with controls, showed significantly increased excretion in stone cases. Family income and serum protein were the only important influencing factors (negative). Causal relationship between uromucoid excretion, stone matrix, and pediatric bladder stones is discussed. Methylene blue decreased uromucoid excretion but not magnesium oxide, vitamin C or B6 (four common therapeutic drugs for prevention/dissolution of urolithiasis).

Blunt renal injury--an experience of 30 cases.

Thirty cases of blunt renal injury are reviewed. The need for rapid and accurate diagnosis of these cases with excretory urography, supplemented in certain patients with renal angiography, is discussed. High-dose excretory urography allows the cases to be categorized into minor or major injuries. All minor injuries can be managed without operation. For major injuries, a conservative approach, if necessary followed by surgical exploration, avoids loss of organ in most of the cases.