Hypercalciuria: diagnosis and management.

Hypercalciuria may be due to increased bone resorption, increased intestinal absorption, increased renal excretion or due to hypophosphatemia. Examination of the serum for calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and 1,25(OH)2D3, and of the urine for calcium, phosphorus and cyclic AMP will help arrive at the correct diagnosis. Therapies specific for each type of hypercalciuria are available and can be used. However, a more simplified diagnostic approach, and the use of thiazide diuretics for therapy, will usually suffice in the majority of patients.