Primary hyperoxaluria.

Abstract

Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare inborn error of amino acid metabolism, now genetically defined, that results in excessive production and urinary excretion of oxalate. It serves as a model of severe nephrolithiasis that requires management of urinary supersaturation to prevent the common outcome of renal failure, which can be the presenting finding: the continued oxalate excess than causes progressive systemic oxalosis (deposition). Routine kidney transplantation almost invariably fails, but a (live donor) protocol that reduces danger of the accumulated load of oxalate can reduce the risk of recurrence. The attractive (and curative) option of combined kidney/liver transplant has considerably greater risk of mortality (in the US), although the European experience is considerably better, often employed earlier in the course. Key to appropriate decisions are early recognition, certain diagnosis, testing for vitamin B6 response, and immediate planning for definitive therapy when renal function is failing. PH provides one example of the absolute need for workup of the metabolic causes of stone disease.