Evolution of lithogenic urinary parameters with a low dose potassium citrate treatment

The changes in some nocturnal urine urolithogenic parameters in response to the extradietary ingestion of 2.16 g potassium citrate (20 meq) after dinner have been determined. The study included 15 patients (hypocitraturic calcium oxalate stone formers). On the basis of the different pH changes three groups have been differentiated. Different kinetics of citrate metabolism can justify the existence of these three groups. In general, a beneficial effect on urolithogenic parameters was confirmed, and a pH control of patients under treatment was recommended.