Long-term persistence of metabolic abnormalities in absorptive or renal hypercalciuria

Seven patients with absorptive hypercalciuria and seven with renal hypercalciuria were re-evaluated 1.67-7.33 years after the original diagnosis. When treatment was temporarily stopped, all showed the same metabolic abnormalities as before: those with absorptive hypercalciuria continued to show increased intestinal absorption of calcium and normal or suppressed parathyroid function, and those with renal hypercalciuria had persistent "renal leak" of calcium and parathyroid stimulation. In view of the persistence of metabolic abnormalities, medical therapy should be regarded as a long-term commitment.