| Author: | Wong, Suet-ching Shirley |
| Title: | Effect of traditional Chinese medicine on urine crystallization properties from renal stone formers |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations. Kidneys -- Calculi -- Treatment. Medicine, Chinese. |
| Department: | Department of Health Technology and Informatics |
| Pages: | xi, 88 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Renal stones (nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis or renal calculi) are crystals of dissolved minerals in urine found inside the kidneys, ureters or bladder. Currently, at least 10% of the population globally (6% in Hong Kong and SE China) suffer it. After the initial stone episode has resolved, patients should be counseled about prevention of recurrences. However, the recurrence rates remain high (14% after 1 year, 52% after 5 years and rising to 60% after 10 years). The drug therapy is not effective in all patients and adverse side effects compromise their long-term consumption. Though, traditional Chinese medicine that is effective, safe and culturally acceptable; has been widely used to treat renal stones for many year, seldom objective scientific evaluations have been conducted. This experiment is a follow-up study of the previous in-vitro investigation. It is a single-centered, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to test the hypothesis that Shi Wei has inhibitory effects on the formation of renal stones in vivo. Thirty-eight renal stone formers participated the study and randomized into Shi Wei group and placebo (starch) group. The dosage was 1.5g/day Shi Wei or starch for 7 consecutive days. Forty to fifty ml first morning urines were collected before and after administration. After 7 days' treatment, there was a significant increase (p = 0.0479) in magnesium in Shi Wei group by comparison between pre and post treatment. Though, no other variables of interest illustrated a significance change, in this pilot study, we found that the treatment protocols (3 capsules daily for 7 days) were easily accepted by the subjects. It is because the drop out rate was low (15.6%). Also, the dosage of Shi Wei was safe. Only one subject reported having mild side effects. Starch was good as a placebo as none of variables of interest achieved a statistical significance. Moreover, Shi Wei extract had a trend to decrease the specific gravity, increase the crystals size, crystals number, quantity of crystals and aggregation. Obviously, it is due to diuretic effect of Shi Wei. Also, Shi Wei enhanced the magnesium excretion but the mechanism of how it exerts its effect requires further investigation. In conclusion, Shi Wei has a trend to inhibit renal stone formation by its diuretic action and increase magnesium excretion. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
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| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b23055996.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 2.6 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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