[Is kidney stone a bone disease?]

Abstract

Idiopathic calcium stone formation affects 10% of the adult western population in a lifetime and is, consequently, a real public health problem in these countries. Abnormalities of bone metabolism with osteopenia have been found in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria. The type of diet (high protein intake, calcium restriction) and some mediators (cytokines, calcitriol) are involved in the pathophysiology of bone alterations. The purpose of this article is to discuss the link between calcium nephrolithiasis and bone density, factors implicated in bone loss and how to treat this pathology.