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Alternative names Return to top
Stones - cystine; Cystine stonesDefinition Return to top
Cystinuria is a disorder characterized by stones in the kidney, ureter, and bladder. It is caused by excessive excretion of certain amino acids (protein building blocks) due to a genetic abnormality. (See also nephrolithiasis).Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Cystinuria is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. The kidneys do not adequately resorb certain amino acids during the filtering process, resulting in excess excretion of these amino acids. The amino acids may precipitate (solids separate from liquids) and form crystals or stones in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Symptoms may indicate kidney stones. The physical examination is nonspecific.Treatment Return to top
Treatment goals include relief of symptoms and preventing the development of further stones. Hospitalization may be required if symptoms are severe.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Cystinuria is a chronic, lifelong condition. The incidence of symptomatic stone formation is variable, but recurrence of stones is common. The disorder seldom results in kidney failure, and it does not affect other organs.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicating urinary tract stones are present.Prevention Return to top
There is no known prevention for cystinuria. Any person with a known history of stones in the urinary tract should drink enough fluids to maintain a high urinary output by day and by night, allowing stones and crystals to be excreted before they become large enough to cause symptoms. Keeping the urine alkaline diminishes the risk of cystine stones. Update Date: 2/11/2004 Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |