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Volume 11, Number 3 Review Articles

Hypocitraturia: Pathophysiology and Medical Management

Management Review

Dean G Assimos Jack M Zuckerman

Low urinary citrate excretion is a known risk factor for the development ofkidney stones. Citrate inhibits stone formation by complexing with calciumin the urine, inhibiting spontaneous nucleation, and preventing growth andagglomeration of crystals. Hypocitraturia is a common metabolic abnormalityfound in 20% to 60% of stone formers. It is most commonly idiopathic inorigin but may be caused by distal renal tubular acidosis, hypokalemia, boweldysfunction, and a high-protein, low-alkali diet. Genetic factors, medications,and other comorbid disorders also play a role. Hypocitraturia should be managedthrough a combination of dietary modifications, oral alkali, and possiblylemonade or other citrus juice–based therapy. This review concerns thepathophysiology of hypocitraturia and the management of stone formersafflicted with this abnormality.[Rev Urol. 2009;11(3):134-144 doi:10.3909/riu0424]© 2009 MedReviews®, LLC

Hypocitraturia Citrate metabolism Citrate pathophysiology Hypocitraturia etiologies Medical management of stone disease Alkali citrate Potassium citrate Citrus juice Lemonade