Potential Research Opportunity for Internal Medicine Housestaff

Mentor: Robert Reilly
Department: Medicine/Nephrology
Room number: Dallas VA 3A-308
Mail Code: VA 111G1
Phone number: 214 857-1907
E-mail: Robert.reilly2@va.gov
Project title: Thiazide diuretic use in the treatment of patients with nephrolithiasis

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): #07-004

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)- Patient-based research

Brief Description of Project:

Despite the fact that thiazide diuretics are commonly prescribed by Nephrologists and Primary Care providers, there is evidence to suggest that this drug class is not optimally utilized in the treatment of patients with kidney stones. Specifically, these drugs are commonly underdosed and physicians are often unaware of the utility of thiazide diuretics in patients without hypercalciuria. This study will evaluate the current pattern of use of thiazide diuretics in the treatment of nephrolithiasis in VA North Texas via a retrospective chart review. Patients will be identified via several mechanisms including a search of ICD9 codes for stone disease and results of PAK profiles (urine kidney stone risk factor profile). This list of patients will be crossreferenced with pharmacy profiles of thiazide diuretic use (Proclarity). A chart review will then be conducted of patients with nephrolithiasis that are prescribed thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Housestaff: