Hyperoxaluria and Oxalosis

About

Hyperoxaluria is a rare condition that occurs when there is too much of a substance called oxalate in the urine. Quick diagnosis and treatment of hyperoxaluria is critical to the long-term health of your kidneys. Mayo Clinic specialists are experienced in treating hyperoxaluria and work together to ensure comprehensive care for hyperoxaluria and associated conditions.

There are several types of hyperoxaluria:

• Primary hyperoxaluria. Primary hyperoxaluria is a rare inherited (genetic) condition that is present at birth. In this type, the liver doesn't create enough of a certain protein (enzyme), which causes the liver to produce large amounts of oxalate. Because your body can't get rid of (metabolize) the excess oxalate, it is eliminated through your kidneys, in your urine.

  Over time, the extra oxalate in the urine can cause kidney stones, which can damage the kidneys to the point where they don't work anymore (renal failure). Because of the very large amounts of oxalate produced, most people's kidneys fail by early to mid-adulthood (25 to 35 years), but renal failure can occur as early as infancy.

• Oxalosis. Oxalosis occurs if you have primary hyperoxaluria and your kidneys fail. Because your body can no longer eliminate the extra oxalate, it starts accumulating — first, in your blood, then in your eyes, bones, muscles, blood vessels, heart and other organs. This can cause multiple problems.
• Enteric hyperoxaluria. Several intestinal diseases, including Crohn's disease and short bowel syndrome, increase the absorption of oxalate from foods, which can then increase the amount of oxalate excreted in the urine.
• Hyperoxaluria from increased dietary ingestion. Foods such as spinach, rhubarb, beets, chocolate, nuts, tea, wheat bran, strawberries and soy-based foods are high in oxalate. Eating large amounts of these foods can increase your risk of hyperoxaluria or kidney stones.