Biochemical and Clinical Effects of the Prophylactic Treatment of Renal Calcium Stones with Magnesium Hydroxide

Abstract

Prophylactic treatment with magnesium hydroxide was instituted in 56 consecutive cases with renal calcium stones. The patients had been investigated previously with regard to Mg metabolism. The urinary Mg excretion increased promptly and remained on a higher level during treatment. No changes were observed in the serum or urinary Ca concentrations. Most patients have undergone treatment for at least 2 yr and 45 have been free of recurrences or formations of new stones. The mean stone episode rate during treatment was 0.03 stones/yr compared to 0.8 stones/yr before treatment was instituted. The natural history of stone disease was followed in 34 patients with stones who had received no prophylactic therapy and 15 have experienced recurrences after 2 yr. In comparison, treatment with magnesium hydroxide appeared to reduce the recurrence rate. Apart from minor gastrointestinal discomfort, no adverse effects were observed during treatment.