The Effects of Oral Sodium Bicarbonate on Renal Function and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Oral sodium bicarbonate is often used to correct acid-base disturbance in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there is little evidence on patient-level benign outcomes to support the practice. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy and safety of oral sodium bicarbonate in CKD patients. A total of 1853 patients with chronic metabolic acidosis or those with low-normal serum bicarbonate (22–24 mEq/L) were performed to compare the efficacy and safety of oral sodium bicarbonate in patients with CKD. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in serum bicarbonate level (MD 2.37 mEq/L; 95% CI, 1.03 to 3.72) and slowed the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (MD −4.44 mL/min per 1.73 m(2), 95% CI, −4.92 to −3.96) compared with the control groups. The sodium bicarbonate lowered T50-time, an indicator of vascular calcification (MD −20.74 min; 95% CI, −49.55 to 8.08); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups. In addition, oral sodium bicarbonate dramatically reduced systolic blood pressure (MD −2.97 mmHg; 95% CI, −5.04 to −0.90) and diastolic blood pressure (MD −1.26 mmHg; 95% CI, −2.33 to −0.19). There were no statistically significant body weight, urine pH and mean mid-arm muscle circumference. CONCLUSION: Treatment of metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate may slow the decline rate of kidney function and potentially significantly improve vascular endothelial function in patients with CKD. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020207185.