The Use of K-Lyte (Potassium Citrate) in Uric Acid Lithiasis

Abstract

Uric-acid stone disease is not uncommon and it has been estimated that the prevalence of uric acid stones in the general population of the United States is about 0.01% (1). The principle aim of medical therapy of uric acid stones is to reduce the concentration of undissociated uric acid in the urine. If this can be achieved, new stone formation will be prevented, and existing stones will dissolve. Undissociated urine uric-acid concentration can be reduced by: a) increasing fluid intake; b) reducing purine intake; c) taking allopurinol; and d) alkalinizing the urine (2). Although all of these measures are important, altering the urine pH is the primary mode of therapy in patients with uric-acid stone disease (3). In an attempt to find a satisfactory urine-alkalinizing agent which is not associated with a high sodium load, I have evaluated K-Lyte (Bristol Laboratories, Canada) with respect to its ability to raise the urine pH, it’s effectiveness in dissolving existing uric-acid stones, and preventing further stone formation in patients with active stone formation.