Treatment of primary hyperoxaluria

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Hed: Treatment of primary hyperoxaluria

Dek: This rare condition causes kidney stones and possibly kidney damage. Learn more about your treatment options.

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Primary hyperoxaluria is a rare genetic disorder in which your body produces too much of a substance called oxalate.

When too much oxalate builds up in the kidneys and combines with calcium, it forms kidney stones and can lead to kidney failure.

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There are three types of PH:

PH1

PH2

PH3

Treatment options depend on the type of PH you have. However, the goal of treating all forms of PH is to prevent the buildup of oxalate in the kidneys and other parts of your body.

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Some treatment options include:

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

In high doses, vitamin B6 can help reduce oxalate levels. This treatment works for about 3 out of 10 people. It is only useful for patients with PH1.

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Prescription medications

Lumasiran and nedosiran can be given as injections under the skin to lower oxalate levels. These medications are only useful for patients with PH1.

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Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids (especially water) every day can help flush out the oxalate from your body.

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Citrate or bicarbonate salts

Too much acid in the urine increases the risk of kidney stones. Consumption of citrate and bicarbonate salt such as:

Potassium citrate

Potassium bicarbonate

Sodium citrate

Sodium bicarbonate

can lower the acidity of your urine.

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Avoid high levels of vitamin C

Too much vitamin C in your diet – from foods or supplements – can lead to an increase in oxalate levels.

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Avoid foods high in oxalates

Foods high in oxalates include:

Nuts

Chocolate

sweet potatoes

Plums

Beets

rhubarb

spinach

tofu

Strawberries

If you choose to eat these foods, also eat calcium-rich foods to prevent the oxalate from entering your kidneys and forming kidney stones.

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How well primary hyperoxaluria treatments work depends on your overall health and the severity of your condition.

Talk to your doctor about what might be right for you.

This educational resource was created with support from Alnylam.