Oxalate and calcium excretion in cystic fibrosis.

Abstract

A patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) and repeated calcium oxalate renal stones prompted us to investigate other children for risk factors for this recognised complication of CF. Twenty four hour urinary excretion of calcium, oxalate, and glycolate was measured in children with CF and no symptoms of renal tract stones. Normal diet and treatments were continued. In 26 children (aged 5-15.9 years) oxalate excretion was correlated with age; 14 of 26 children had oxalate excretion above an age appropriate normal range. There was a positive correlation between oxalate excretion and glycolate excretion. Mean calcium excretion was 0.06 mmol/kg/24 h with 21 of 24 children having calcium excretion below the normal range. Hyperoxaluria may reflect malabsorption although correlation between excretion of oxalate and glycolate suggests a portion of the excess oxalate is derived from metabolic processes. The hypocalciuria observed here may protect children with CF from renal stones.