Alkaline Citrate Treatment to Lower the Risk of Nephrocalcinosis in Preterm Infants

Summary

Preterm infants are at risk to develop nephrocalcinosis. Incidence numbers vary according to birth weight and gestation age. Very low birth weight infants have the highest risk index, with \~ 7-10 % of preterm infants developing nephrocalcinosis in the patient population. We, the researchers at the University of Cologne, and others found significantly decreased urinary citrate excretion (hypocitraturia) to be one of the main risk factors. Hence, we hypothesized, that prophylactic treatment with oral alkaline citrate solution (Shol's solution) would help to 1) increase urinary citrate excretion and 2) help to decrease the incidence of nephrocalcinosis.

Timeline

Start

2005-11

Primary completion

2008-11

Completion

2008-11

Publications

• Background Sikora P, Roth B, Kribs A, Michalk DV, Hesse A, Hoppe B. Hypocitraturia is one of the major risk factors for nephrocalcinosis in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Kidney Int. 2003 Jun;63(6):2194-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2003.t01-4-00001.x.
• Background Hoppe B, Duran I, Martin A, Kribs A, Benz-Bohm G, Michalk DV, Roth B. Nephrocalcinosis in preterm infants: a single center experience. Pediatr Nephrol. 2002 Apr;17(4):264-8. doi: 10.1007/s00467-001-0816-8.
• Background Hoppe B, Roth B, Bauerfeld C, Langman CB. Oxalate, citrate, and sulfate concentration in human milk compared with formula preparations: influence on urinary anion excretion. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1998 Oct;27(4):383-6. doi: 10.1097/00005176-199810000-00002.
• Background Hoppe B, Hesse A, Neuhaus T, Fanconi S, Forster I, Blau N, Leumann E. Urinary saturation and nephrocalcinosis in preterm infants: effect of parenteral nutrition. Arch Dis Child. 1993 Sep;69(3 Spec No):299-303. doi: 10.1136/adc.69.3_spec_no.299.

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