Hydroxyurea in the management of chronic urea-splitting urinary infections

The aim in the management of struvite stones is to remove all of the stones and to treat urinary infection. The bacterial species which are known to cause struvite stones produce the enzyme urease, which increases urinary pH by splitting urea and consequently causes urinary supersaturation with respect to struvite and hydroxyapatite. The use of bacterial urease inhibitors with antibiotics is a new and interesting aid in the management of chronic urea-splitting infections. We describe our experience with the use of hydroxyurea in 15 patients with chronic urea-splitting infections.