[Thiazide treatment for calcium urolithiasis in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria]

The prophylactic effect of hydrochlorothiazide on stone formation was studied in 66 patients with calcium urolithiasis, (49 men and 17 women between 25 and 76 years old, mean 52.2 +/- 11.7 years) due to idiopathic hypercalciuria. Urinary calcium excretion was significantly decreased during treatment when compared to the baseline value. The stone formation rate was also significantly reduced when compared with that before treatment. With regard to side effects, hyperuricemia was observed in 21 patients, hypokalemia in 9 patients, hypotension in 3 patients, and glycosuria in 4 patients. Thiazide treatment was concluded to be effective for preventing the recurrence of calcium stones in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria. However, this therapy should be used only in conjunction with the careful monitoring of possible adverse reactions.