Experience with the [13C2]oxalate absorption test

Hyperoxaluria is the most important risk factor for a formation of calcium oxalate-urinary stones. Usually, the bulk of oxalate will be formed in the human body, but in many patients the oxalate from food plays the decisive role. Conventionally, in urine the endogenous oxalate can not be distinguished from food derived oxalate. We have developed a standardized oxalate-absorption test, applying a physiological dose (50 mg disodium salt of [13C2]oxalic acid) of labelled oxalate. The assay has been published. Now we report on the first extensive applications of this test in 86 volunteers and 135 patients from different groups with calcium oxalate stones or an increased risk of the formation of such stones. In one-third of the patients with calcium oxalate-urinary stones an oxalate hyperabsorption was diagnosed. For these patients, a dietetic stone prophylaxis and/or therapy is indicated.