Exclusion criteria

Patients who did not complete 4 weeks treatment of the study

Patients who showed side effects of any solution during treatment

Patients who refused to consume either K-Cit or MgCl₂.

The supplements included K-Cit and MgCl₂; purchased from Merck Company, Germany. The specific codes for K-Cit and MgCl₂ were 1.04956.9029 and 1.05832.5000, respectively. To provide K-Cit solution; 220 g of K-Cit C₆H₅K₃O₇.H₂O plus 66 g citric-acid C₆H₈O₇.H₂O were dissolved in 1000 ml distilled water. Each 1 ml of K-Cit solution contained 2 milliequivalent potassium ion. The prescribed dose of K-Cit was 1 mEq potassium ion/kg/day MgCl₂ solution with the concentration of 16 mEq/10 cc was prepared by adding 162.64 g of MgCl₂.6H₂O solved in 1000 ml distilled water. Each ml of MgCl₂ has 19.2 mg magnesium element. MgCl₂ was prescribed in doses equivalent to 10 mg/kg/day in adult to maximum 400 mg/day (recommended daily allowance [RDA] table). The maximum administered dose of magnesium was not beyond the RDA [Table 1].

Recommended dietary allowance for magnesium

The study was performed in two groups. At the beginning we performed ultrasonography to find out the primary size of stone and also the location of kidney stone, urine culture was performed, and patients were examined for any possible gastrointestinal or urinary tract infections.

In the beginning of the study, urinary sodium, magnesium, potassium, creatinin, and calcium in addition to venous blood gas (VBG), urinary citrate, and oxalate were measured. Then, all patients received K-Cit (poly-citrate potassium) in 3 separated doses during day (preferably after meal). After 4 weeks treatment, while patients had been receiving poly-citrate potassium, all mentioned parameters except for VBG and urinary magnesium were evaluate, and also the same radiologist and device performed ultrasonography.

MgCl₂ solution in 3 divided doses per day (after meal) was added to the previously mentioned dose of poly-citrate potassium. This combination was continued for a 4-week course. At last, all mentioned parameters at the beginning of the study were measured.

During the treatment period, patients were asked to continue their normal dietary habits.

Kidney ultrasound was performed by ultrasonography logic 7 general electric machine and by a fix radiologist blinded to the study.

The fasting spot urine was measured for oxalate, potassium, sodium, createnin, magnesium, and calcium.