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AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

This page presents an AI-generated summary of a published research paper. The original authors did not write or review this article. [See full disclosure ↓]

Publishing process signals: STRONG — reflects the venue and review process. — venue and review process.

Urinary calcium-to-citrate ratio may help predict stone risk in very young children

A female healthcare provider in a dark patterned short-sleeved shirt examines a young boy in a white shirt who is lying on a beige examination table in a clinical setting.
Research area:PediatricsNephrologyUrinary system

What the study found

In infants and toddlers evaluated for suspected urinary stone disease, the urinary calcium-to-citrate (Ca/Cit) ratio showed moderate ability to distinguish stone risk.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors suggest the Ca/Cit ratio may be a practical adjunctive marker of stone risk in this age group, and they conclude that larger prospective studies are needed to validate reference intervals and refine cut-off values.

What the researchers tested

The study evaluated infants and toddlers who were assessed for suspected urinary stone disease. It examined the Ca/Cit ratio, which compares urinary calcium to urinary citrate, as a marker of lithogenic potential, meaning the tendency to form stones.

What worked and what didn't

A Ca/Cit ratio above 0.23 mg/mg, approximately 1.10 mmol/mmol, appeared to indicate increased lithogenic potential. The abstract says the ratio offers moderate discriminatory power, but it does not describe stronger performance or additional tested markers.

What to keep in mind

The abstract notes that larger prospective studies are needed to validate reference intervals and refine clinically applicable cut-off values for this young age group. No other limitations are described in the available summary.

Key points

  • The urinary Ca/Cit ratio showed moderate ability to distinguish stone risk in infants and toddlers with suspected urinary stone disease.
  • A Ca/Cit ratio above 0.23 mg/mg (about 1.10 mmol/mmol) appeared to indicate increased lithogenic potential.
  • The authors say the ratio may be a practical adjunctive marker of stone risk.
  • Larger prospective studies are needed to validate reference intervals and refine cut-off values.

Disclosure

Research title:
Urinary calcium-to-citrate ratio may help predict stone risk in very young children
Authors:
Utku Dönger, Meraj Alam Siddiqui, Aysun Çaltık Yılmaz, Caner İncekaş, Esra Baskın
Institutions:
Başkent University
Publication date:
2026-02-11
DOI:
10.1007/s00467-026-07191-z
OpenAlex record:
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AI provenance: This post was generated by OpenAI. The original authors did not write or review this post.

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