Hyperoxaluria - A Major Metabolic Risk for Kidney Stone Disease

Hyperoxaluria is a clinically relevant metabolic entity that portends a high morbidity burden. Primarily manifesting as kidney stone disease and chronic kidney disease, advanced hyperoxaluria can also affect major organs, including the brain, heart, liver, bone, and the skin. It is categorized based on etiology into primary and secondary hyperoxaluria. Pathology is attributed to excess de novo oxalate production in the former and multifactorial exogenous oxalate absorption or excess intake of its precursors in the latter. Diagnosis often involves demonstrating elevated urinary oxalate levels, especially in patients with normal kidney function. Here in this review, we will perform an in-depth discussion of various causes of hyperoxaluria and describe treatment options. In view of the significant morbidity burden associated with hyperoxaluria, patients could benefit from heightened clinician awareness to aid in the timely diagnosis and management of this condition.