Role of Vitamin C and E supplementation in reduction of serum level of renal injury marker following shock wave lithotripsy: Prospective single centre experience

INTRODUCTION: Shock wave lithotripsy has become first line treatment modality for renal calculi due to its noninvasiveness. However, the destructive forces like dispersion of cavitation bubbles can cause trauma to thin-walled vessels and renal parenchyma during fragmentation of the stones. Antioxidants are our first line of defense against oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether oral administration of Vitamin C and E help in a reduction of the serum level of inflammatory mediator by serial measurement of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and by this reduction in the risk of renal damage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 107 subjects were recruited in three groups. Group A served as a control group, and Group B and Group C received oral medication of Vitamin E 800 mg/day and Vitamin C 1000 mg/day respectively, start from 2 days prior the lithotripsy and continued for total 7 days. The level of hs-CRP was used as a mediator of the inflammatory response following lithotripsy and thus for long term renal injury. Serum level of hs-CRP was measured on 2 days prior the lithotripsy and day 2, 7 and 28 after the lithotripsy. RESULTS: Patients who were given either Vitamin C or Vitamin E showed a significant reduction of serum level of hs-CRP when compared to control the group. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of Vitamin C and E helps in reduction of serum levels of the inflammatory marker for acute renal injury and thus they can be useful in minimizing the kidney injury following lithotripsy for renal stone disease.