Clinical Information

Primary hyperoxaluria type 2 (PH2) is a hereditary disorder of glyoxylate metabolism caused by deficiency of the hepatic enzyme glyoxylate reductase/hydroxypyruvate reductase (GRHPR). Absence of GRHPR activity results in excess oxalate and usually L-glycerate excreted in the urine leading to nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) and sometimes renal failure.

Onset of PH2 is typically in childhood or adolescence with symptoms related to kidney stones. In some cases, kidney failure may be the initial presenting feature. Nephrocalcinosis, as seen by renal ultrasound, is observed less frequently in individuals with PH2 than primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1). End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is also less common and of later onset than PH1; however, once ESRD develops, oxalate deposition in other organs such as bone, retina, and myocardium can occur.

While the exact prevalence and incidence of PH2 are not known, it is thought that PH2 is less common than PH1, which has an estimated prevalence rate of 1 to 3 per million population and an incidence of 0.1 per million/year.

Biochemical testing is indicated in patients with possible primary hyperoxaluria. Measurement of urinary oxalate in a timed, 24-hour urine collection is strongly preferred, with correction to adult body surface area in pediatric patients (HYOX / Hyperoxaluria Panel, Urine; OXU / Oxalate, Urine). In very young children (incapable of performing a timed collection), random urine oxalate to creatinine ratios may be used for determination of oxalate excretion. In patients with reduced kidney function, POXA / Oxalate, Plasma is also recommended. Urinary excretion of oxalate of >1.0 mmol/1.73 m(2)/24 hours is strongly suggestive of, but not diagnostic, for primary hyperoxaluria as there are other forms of inherited hyperoxaluria (PH1 and non-PH1/PH2) and secondary hyperoxaluria that may result in similarly elevated urine oxalate excretion rates. An elevated urine glycerate in the presence of hyperoxaluria is suggestive of PH2. Caution is warranted in interpretation of urine oxalate excretion in patients with reduced kidney function as urine oxalate concentrations may be lower due to reduced glomerular filtration rate. Historically, the diagnosis of PH2 was confirmed by GRHPR enzyme analysis performed on liver biopsy; however, this has been replaced by molecular testing, which forms the basis of confirmatory or carrier testing in most cases.

PH2 is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the GRHPR gene, which encodes the enzyme GRHPR. Two common GRHPR mutations have been identified: c.103delG and c.403_404+2delAAGT. These mutations account for about one-third of the mutant alleles described in the Northern European Caucasian population and about 15% in the Asian population. Direct sequencing of the GRHPR gene will identify these 2 mutations as well as other less common or novel mutations associated with PH2.