Comparison of the effects of potassium citrate and hydrochlorothiazide on the ureteral stent encrustation in patients with long stent survival; a single-blinded clinical trial

Introduction: The probability of encrustation after embedding ureteral stent is 9.6% in six weeks, 47.5% in 6 to 12 weeks and 76.3% in more than 12 weeks. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of potassium citrate and hydrochlorothiazide on ureteral stent encrustation as a single-blinded clinical trial. Patients and Methods: After embedding ureteral stent in 130 patients, the individuals were randomly divided into two groups using random allocation software. Convenience sampling method was used in this study. One group was given hydrochlorothiazide and potassium citrate, and the other group did not receive any medication. All stents were the same brand and the maximum time of stents being in situ was six weeks. Four to six weeks after stent implantation, patients were referred for stent removal. Then, ureteral stent encrustation was recorded in the two groups according to the visual appearance and the difficulty in stent removing due to stent encrustation. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.62±14.86 years. Regarding gender, 78 patients (67.8%) were male and 37 patients (32.2%) were female. In this study, 15 patients (13%) had ureteral stent encrustation, of which 13 patients (20%) were in the group without medication and two patients (4%) were in the group who received hydrochlorothiazide and potassium citrate (P = 0.012). Conclusion: The rate of ureteral stent encrustation in the patients who received hydrochlorothiazide and potassium citrate was significantly lower than the patients in the control group. This can be justified by the diuretic properties of hydrochlorothiazide and the reduction of urinary calcium levels. Additionally, high urinary citrate level and induction of urinary alkalization after the administration of potassium citrate. Are the ameliorating factors. Trial Registration: Registration of trial protocol has been approved by Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20180625040232N3, https://en.irct.ir/trial/46227, ethical code# IR.UMSU. REC.1396.130).