The effect of clindamycin on the intestinal flora in patients with enteric hyperoxaluria

Enteric hyperoxaluria is due to increased absorption of oxalate, especially in the colon. However, this mechanism is not fully understood. Little is also known about the composition of the intestinal flora in these patients. Eleven patients with hyperoxaluria (greater than 0.45 mmol/24 h) after jejunoileal bypass were therefore studied under surgical ward conditions for 5 days. The patients were maintained on a constant diet. During days 3, 4, and 5 clindamycin (Dalacina), 1.8 g/24 h, was given parenterally in three divided doses. All patients had hyperoxaluria, with a mean oxalate absorption of 0.94 +/- 0.09 mmol/24 h (+/- SEM). No significant disturbances in the colonic microflora were found. The degree of hyperoxaluria did not change during clindamycin administration, in spite of a significant decrease in the number of anaerobic bacteria. Our patients with enteric hyperoxaluria seem to have a normal colonic microflora. The degree of hyperoxaluria did not seem to be related to changes in the intestinal anaerobic flora.