From the Guidelines

Yes, pediatric patients can develop nephrolithiasis (kidney stones).

Nephrolithiasis, or kidney stones, is a condition that can affect individuals of all ages, including pediatric patients 1.
The incidence of pediatric stone disease is lower than in adults, but it is still commonly seen in busy pediatric practices 1.
Pediatric patients with urolithiasis may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain and hematuria, although some may not exhibit classic symptoms 1.
Affected children may have a family history of nephrolithiasis or predisposing inborn metabolic disease 1.

Certain factors, such as the use of topiramate or a ketogenic diet for the treatment of epilepsy, and immobility in patients with severe neurological involvement, may increase the risk of kidney stone formation in pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) 1.
Biochemical monitoring of urine may be beneficial in detecting an increased risk of kidney stone formation in these patients 1.
For pediatric patients with ureteral stones, treatment options include ureteroscopy (URS) or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), with stone-free rates reported to be relatively high for both procedures 1.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the outcomes of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) and ESWL for upper tract stones in pediatric patients found that both treatments have high success rates, although the evidence is still limited 1.
The choice of treatment may depend on patient-specific factors, such as anatomy and body habitus, as well as the size and location of the stone 1.

From the Research

Pediatric patients can develop nephrolithiasis, also known as kidney stones, as evidenced by studies showing an increasing incidence of kidney stone disease in children and adolescents 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
The etiology of kidney stones in children can be identified in most cases, with metabolic factors such as hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia, urinary tract infection, and urinary stasis being leading causes 4, 5, 6.
Environmental and dietary factors, including excessive dietary sodium, reduced fluid intake, and high consumption of fructose-containing energy drinks, may also contribute to the development of kidney stones in children 3, 4, 6.
The evaluation of pediatric nephrolithiasis typically includes a comprehensive history, examination, basic imaging, metabolic evaluation, and genetic testing 6.
The recurrence risk for kidney stone occurrence in children is high, with approximately 50% of children presenting with symptomatic recurrence within 3 years of the first stone 2.
The management of nephrolithiasis in children requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving pediatricians, pediatric nephrologists, urologists, dietitians, and nurses, and prioritizing prevention and accurate diagnosis is crucial for optimal management 6.