Hyperoxaluria and oxalosis

Symptoms

Typically, the first sign of hyperoxaluria is a kidney stone. Symptoms of a kidney stone can include:

• Severe or sudden back pain or pain over the area below the ribs on the back (flank) that doesn't go away
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Pain when urinating
• Chills or fever

Kidney stones in childhood are uncommon. Kidney stones that form in children and teenagers are likely to be caused by an underlying condition, such as hyperoxaluria. For this reason, all young people with kidney stones should have a thorough evaluation, including measurement of oxalate in the urine. Adults with recurrent kidney stones also should be evaluated for oxalate in the urine.

Untreated primary hyperoxaluria can eventually damage your kidneys. Over time your kidneys may stop working. For some people, this is the first sign of the disease. Signs and symptoms of kidney failure include:

• Decrease in urine output or no urine output at all
• Feeling generally ill and tired
• Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting
• Pale skin color related to anemia
• Swelling of hands and feet

Oxalosis in its late stages can cause a variety of complications outside the kidney, including bone disease, anemia, skin ulcers, heart and eye problems, and in children, a failure to develop and grow normally.