The hyperoxaluric syndromes

Oxalate is a major component of renal stones and an important determinant of calcium oxalate solubility in urine. Although the well-defined hyperoxaluric states are relatively uncommon, a significant number of patients with calcium oxalate stones have some degree of hyperoxaluria. For these reasons an understanding of both the causes of hyperoxaluria and methods of controlling oxalate synthesis and excretion is important. This review focuses on methods for the measurement of oxalate, the metabolic pathways of oxalate synthesis, the transport and excretion of oxalate, and the hyperoxaluric syndromes.