Urolithiasis and enteric hyperoxaluria in a child with steatorrhea

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Gastroenterology
• Urology

Background:

• Malabsorptive states are linked to elevated urinary oxalate levels.
• Enteric hyperoxaluria is a recognized cause of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in adults.

Observation:

• A 10-year-old girl presented with steatorrhea, hyperoxaluria, and a renal calculus in a solitary kidney.
• The patient exhibited chronic diarrhea and hyperoxaluria due to malabsorption.

Findings:

• Successful management of steatorrhea led to the resolution of chronic diarrhea.
• Treatment of steatorrhea also corrected the patient's hyperoxaluria.

Implications:

• This case highlights the risk of urinary calculus formation in children with malabsorptive conditions.
• Pediatricians should consider urinary oxalate levels and calculus risk in children with malabsorption.
• Early intervention for malabsorption can prevent complications like hyperoxaluria and kidney stones.