Study Finds Hydrochlorothiazide Ineffective for Kidney Stone Recurrence Prevention
A recent study conducted by Daniel Fuster, MD, of Bern University Hospital in Switzerland, and colleagues, has reported that hydrochlorothiazide does not substantially reduce the risk of kidney-stone recurrence.[0] The double-blind randomized-controlled trial was conducted with a median follow-up of 2.9 years, and included patients with recurrent calcium-containing kidney stones. The patients were assigned to receive either hydrochlorothiazide at a dose of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, or 50 mg once daily or placebo once daily.
The results of the study showed that the rates of recurrence were similar in both the hydrochlorothiazide and placebo groups, at 59%. Furthermore, there was no significant reduction in kidney-stone recurrence with higher doses of hydrochlorothiazide, with rates of 56% for those who received a 25-mg dose and 49% with a 50-mg dose. Radiologic kidney stone recurrence occurred in 45%, 32%, 34%, and 49% of the hydrochlorothiazide, 25-mg, 50-mg, and placebo groups, respectively. Symptomatic kidney stone recurrence occurred in 38%, 40%, 28%, and 34% of the same respective groups.
These results demonstrate that hydrochlorothiazide does not reduce the risk of kidney-stone recurrence and may not be an effective treatment for this condition.[1] Therefore, further research is needed to identify more effective methods of preventing and treating kidney stones.
0. “Daily Thiazide No Help in Preventing Recurrent Kidney Stones” Medpage Today, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.medpagetoday.com/nephrology/generalnephrology/103336
1. “Hydrochlorothiazide and Prevention of Kidney-Stone Recurrence | NEJM” nejm.org, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2209275
