Potassium-magnesium citrate is an effective prophylaxis against recurrent calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

We examined the efficacy of potassium-magnesium citrate in preventing recurrent calcium oxalate kidney calculi.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We conducted a prospective double-blind study of 64 patients who were randomly assigned to receive placebo or potassium-magnesium citrate (42 mEq. potassium, 21 mEq. magnesium, and 63 mEq. citrate) daily for up to 3 years. RESULTS. New calculi formed in 63.6% of subjects receiving placebo and in 12.9% of subjects receiving potassium-magnesium citrate. When compared with placebo, the relative risk of treatment failure for potassium-magnesium citrate was 0.16 (95% confidence interval 0.05 to 0.46). Potassium-magnesium citrate had a statistically significant effect (relative risk 0.10, 95% confidence interval 0.03 to 0.36) even after adjustment for possible confounders, including age, pretreatment calculous event rate and urinary biochemical abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS:

Potassium-magnesium citrate effectively prevents recurrent calcium oxalate stones, and this treatment given for up to 3 years reduces risk of recurrence by 85%.

• Authors: B Ettinger, C Y Pak, J T Citron, C Thomas, B Adams-Huet, A Vangessel
• Journal: The Journal of urology (J Urol) Vol. 158 Issue 6 Pg. 2069-73 (Dec 1997) ISSN: 0022-5347 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9366314 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Citrates
• Drug Combinations
• Magnesium Compounds
• Potassium Compounds
• potassium-magnesium citrate

Topics

• Adult
• Citrates (therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Combinations
• Female
• Humans
• Kidney Calculi (prevention & control)
• Magnesium Compounds (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Potassium Compounds (therapeutic use)
• Prospective Studies
• Recurrence
• Time Factors