Update on approaches to urinary lithiasis in pregnancy

ABSTRACT
Background. Urinary lithiasis is a prevalent and recurring condition in male and female patients and in all age groups. It is the most common cause of abdominal pain of urologic origin during pregnancy. Urinary lithiasis is the primary non-obstetric cause of hospitalization among pregnant patients. Approximately one out of every 200 to 1,500 pregnant women experience renal colic secondary to lithiasis.
Objective. This study provides a critical review of the pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic particularities of this condition based on the best and most recent evidence.
Materials and Methods. A review of literature was carried out for all English language literature. Clinical studies were identified in the bibliographic database such as PubMed (Medline), Ovid and eMedicine (WebMD) using the keywords: hydronephrosis, urolithiasis, kidney stone, urinary tract infection, pregnancy and ultrasound, incidence and epidemiology of renal stones
Conclusions. Diagnostic methods are of particular interest due to maternal and fetal exposure to radiation. Therapy should also be tailored to specific phases of gestation. Physicians must be aware of appropriate approaches to urinary lithiasis in pregnancy to provide safe treatment for patients, with minimal maternal and fetal impacts.