[Infantile forms of primary hyperoxaluria type I: apropos of 4 cases]

Primary hyperoxaluria in a compound heterozygote infant

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 is a rare disorder caused by a defect in the hepatic metabolism of glyoxylate. Cases presenting in infancy are very uncommon and often have a severe course leading to early end-stage renal failure.

METHODS

We treated a case of early presentation of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 and reviewed the relevant literature.

RESULTS

A 4-month-old female infant was admitted to our hospital because of acute renal failure and nephrocalcinosis. Mutational analysis of alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase gene revealed compound heterozygosity in the infant, confirming the development of primary hyperoxaluria type 1. A few weeks later, the condition of the infant worsened during an interdialytic period and died.

CONCLUSIONS

Interest of this case is based on the coexistence of two mutations of alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase gene recently reported, and it confirms the severe course of the disease when it presents in infancy. It also highlights the importance of the association of nephrocalcinosis and urolithiasis as key diagnostic manifestations of primary hyperoxaluria type 1.

[Exceptional digestive location of crystal deposits in primary hyperoxaluria]

We report 3 cases of primary oxalosis with nephrocalcinosis and severe renal failure. Extrarenal involvement was noted in bones in 3 cases, the heart in 2 cases, the central nervous system in 2 cases, the skin in 1 case and the eye in 1 case. The 3 patients presented with acute digestive disorders. Ultrasonography and CT scans showed digestive wall calcifications in addition to the classic appearance of primary oxalosis such as nephrocalcinosis or bone involvement. Primary hyperoxaluria is characterized by a calcium deposit in different tissues, mainly in kidneys. Digestive wall involvement has never been reported in the literature. Primary oxaluria should be considered in the presence of such a deposit in the gut wall.

Primary hyperoxaluria in infants: medical, ethical, and economic issues

OBJECTIVES

Survey on the current medical approach to and the economic issues affecting infants with primary hyperoxaluria type 1.

METHODS

Questionnaire to specialized centers worldwide.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight infants were identified: 44% were of Muslim origin and 56% were not. The consanguinity rate was 76% and 0%, respectively. Thirty-three percent were treated in developing countries (group 1) and 67% in developed countries (group 2). Initial presentation (4.9 +/- 2.8 months) consisted of failure to thrive (22%), urinary tract infection (21%), and uremia (14%). Radiologic findings included nephrocalcinosis (91%), urolithiasis (44%), or both (22%). The diagnosis was based on family history, tissue biopsy, and urine oxalate level in most patients from group 1 and on urine oxalate and glycolate levels, alanine:glyoxalate aminotransferase activity, and DNA analysis in patients from group 2. Therapeutic withdrawal was the final option for 40% of children; financial reasons were given for 10 of 17 patients from group 1 and 0 of 9 from group 2. End-stage renal disease started at 3.2 +/- 6.4 years of age and was present in half of the patients at the time of diagnosis. Fifty-two percent of the patients died: 82% in group 1 versus 33% in group 2; 33% of patients who underwent transplantation died versus 71% of those who did not.

CONCLUSION

The management of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 in infants is a major example of the ethical, epidemiologic, technical, and financial challenges that are raised by recessive inherited diseases with early life-threatening onset. In certain circumstances, oxalosis can be regarded as a condition for which therapeutic withdrawal may be an acceptable option.

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1: An underestimated cause of nephrocalcinosis and chronic renal failure in Saudi Arabian children

BACKGROUND

Primary hyperoxaluria type I (PHI) is a rare metabolic disease caused by deficiency or abnormalities of the peroxisomal enzyme alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase. In the majority of patients, the clinical expression of PHI is characterized by recurrent calcium oxalate urolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis and renal failure.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen children aged 5 months to 14 years were diagnosed as PHI over a 10-year period ending in June 1997. The diagnosis was established by quantitative urinary oxalate excretion, or by a high urine oxalate/creatinine ratio on spot urines.

RESULTS

The majority of patients had nephrolithiasis (13/16) and/or nephrocalcinosis (12/16). Four patients already had advanced chronic renal failure at the time of diagnosis. Altogether, PHI accounted for 20% of nephrocalcinosis and 6% of end-stage renal disease. Two patients had a complete response to pyridoxine therapy, while four patients had a partial response. Eight patients underwent organ transplantation, three underwent kidney transplantation, three received combined liver/kidney transplantation for end-stage renal disease, and two received isolated preemptive liver transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Combined organ transplantation provided the best long-term results.