Sodium cellulose phosphate-induced increment in urinary calcium/magnesium ratio.

In 19 adult patients, with renal stones containing calcium and hypercalciuria, urinary calcium and magnesium excretion and urinary calcium/magnesium ratio was investigated before and during 4 days of treatment with sodium cellulose phosphate. Urinary magnesium excretion fell following sodium cellulose phosphate therapy in all but 1 patient investigated: in 9 patients by less than 50% and in 10 by more than 50% of the pretreatment values. In the latter group of patients urinary calcium/magnesium ratio increased significantly from the mean values ( +/- SD) 3.2 +/- 1.1 to 6.77 +/- 6.9. In 6 patients serum magnesium absorption is suggested, and routine serum and urinary magnesium analysis with the early treatment of magnesium deficiency in patients treated with sodium cellulose phosphate are recommended.