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Abstract: PO1504

Mirabilite External Application for the Treatment of Nephrotic Edema: A Randomized Controlled Study

Session Information

Category: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders

  • 902 Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Disorders: Clinical

Authors

  • Tu, Haitao, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
  • Chen, Siying, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
  • Wang, Liangliang, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
  • Lu, Huan, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
  • Tang, Shuifu, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Background

Lower limb edema is the main symptom of nephrotic syndrome (NS). In addition to well established treatment for edema, external mirabilite application (EMA) around swollen areas could potentially benefit patients with NS. Mirabilite is hydrous sodium sulfate mineral that quickly turns into thenardite which is known for its ability to highly absorb water.

Methods

A randomized, single-blinded study included 52 patiennts with NS who were randomly assigned to the experimental group (EMA+diurethic therapy, n=26) and the control group (diurethic therapy, n=26). The study was approved by IRB of the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Mirabilite treatment was applied via special cloth bag placed around swollen area on legs, 6 hours per day for 10 days. The primary outcome was the change in leg circumference (LC) and biochemical characteristics of patients. The secondary outcome included body weight and urine output.

Results

Patients from experimental group had significant decrease in LC compared to controls (P=0.000), yet small changes in urine volume output (P=0.436). However, significant correlation of LC with weight gain of mirabilite was observed (r=-0.586, P=0.002). Concentration of electrolytes did not change significantly in the groups. Similar effect was observed regarding liver function markers. However, albumin concentration increased significantly in both experimental and control group. After EMA+diurethic treatment patients had significantly lower body weight (P=0.000).Moreover, weight loss was significantly positively correlated with decrease in LC (r=0.612, P=0.000).

Conclusion

This study suggests that MEA is effective in relieving the symptoms of lower extremity edema in NS patients, but it does not help much in the state of water and sodium storage.

Funding

  • Clinical Revenue Support