ABSTRACT
Objective
To describe the patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients
with kidney stones and analyze the alkali content of commonly used CAM therapies.
Methods
We prospectively conducted structured interviews with patients who presented to a
specialty stone clinic for the management of kidney stones. Open-ended questions were
used to elicit information regarding CAM knowledge, formulation/dosing, and patterns
of use. Several common CAM therapies were then analyzed for their alkali, organic
anion, and sugar content.
Results
Of 103 subjects, 82 (80%) patients reported knowledge of CAM and 52 (50%) reported
using CAM. Patients with recurrent kidney stones were more likely to report using
CAM than patients with first-time episodes (56% vs 26%, P = 0.04). Some respondents reported their condition decreased in severity or frequency
since starting CAM therapy (17%) and improvements in pain (12%). Total alkali content
per serving of the tested supplements was 0 mEq (Stonebreaker), 1.5 mEq (Ocean Spray
Cranberry Juice Cocktail), 4.7 mEq (Lakewood Pure Cranberry Juice), 0.6 mEq (Braggs
Apple Cider Vinegar), 11.9 mEq (LithoBalance), 9.5 mEq (Simply Grapefruit Juice),
19.8 mEq (KSP-Key Lime), and 20.2 mEq (KSP-Very Berry).
Conclusion
Patients with kidney stones may use CAM to alleviate symptoms or prevent recurrence.
Commercially available CAM therapies may contain comparable alkali content to commonly
prescribed citrate therapy. These data suggest that providers should be prepared to
discuss the role of CAM with their patients.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 19, 2021
Accepted:
May 27,
2021
Received:
March 30,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
