What is the diagnosis for a 6-year-old male child presenting with hematuria (blood in urine), pyuria (pus in urine), albuminuria (protein in urine), and calcium oxalate crystals in the urine?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 13, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Hematuria, Pyuria, Albuminuria, and Calcium Oxalate Crystals in a 6-Year-Old Male Child

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The presence of pyuria (pus in the urine) along with hematuria (blood in the urine) and albuminuria (protein in the urine) strongly suggests a UTI. Calcium oxalate crystals can also be seen in the urine of patients with UTIs, especially if the infection involves the kidneys.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones): The presence of calcium oxalate crystals is highly suggestive of kidney stones. Hematuria is a common symptom of kidney stones, and if the stone causes an obstruction, it could lead to pyuria and albuminuria due to infection or renal damage.
  • Glomerulonephritis: This condition, which involves inflammation of the glomeruli, can cause hematuria, albuminuria, and sometimes pyuria if there is an associated infection. The presence of calcium oxalate crystals might be incidental but could also suggest a renal condition that predisposes to stone formation.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Alport Syndrome: Although less common, Alport syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the type IV collagen in the kidneys, ears, and eyes. It can cause hematuria, albuminuria, and sometimes pyuria. The presence of calcium oxalate crystals might not be directly related but could be seen in the context of renal disease.
  • Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN): This condition follows a streptococcal infection and can cause hematuria, albuminuria, and sometimes pyuria. It's crucial to diagnose PSGN because it can lead to renal failure if not properly managed.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Cystinuria: This is a genetic disorder that leads to the formation of cystine stones in the kidneys. While it could explain the hematuria and presence of crystals, cystinuria typically presents with cystine crystals rather than calcium oxalate crystals.
  • Primary Hyperoxaluria: A rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive production of oxalate, leading to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. It could explain the presence of calcium oxalate crystals but is a less common condition.
  • Nephrocalcinosis: This condition involves the deposition of calcium salts in the renal tissue, which could lead to hematuria, albuminuria, and the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the urine. However, it is less common in children and often associated with other systemic conditions.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.