Partial dissolution of struvite calculus with oral acetohydroxamic acid

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Staghorn calculi (kidney stones) often develop in patients with chronic urinary tract infections.
• Urea-splitting bacteria contribute to the formation and growth of these stones.

Observation:

• A patient with staghorn calculi was enrolled in a clinical trial for acetohydroxamic acid.
• Acetohydroxamic acid inhibits the bacterial enzyme urease, which is implicated in stone formation.

Findings:

• The patient's staghorn calculi continued to grow while receiving a placebo.
• Upon administration of acetohydroxamic acid, the patient's kidney stones decreased in size.

Implications:

• Acetohydroxamic acid shows potential as a therapeutic agent for managing staghorn calculi.
• This finding supports further investigation into urease inhibition for preventing or reducing kidney stone burden.