Primary hyperoxaluria type 2

Abstract

Most cases of primary hyperoxaluria are due to deficiency of hepatic peroxisomal alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase [i.e. primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1), McKusick 259900] and several hundred examples have been described since the original report in 1925. By contrast, primary hyperoxaluria type 2 (PH2, McKusick 260000) is very rare indeed with only 22 patients recorded since the original description in 1968. PH2 is characterized by hyperoxaluria and L-glyceric aciduria and is caused by deficiency of D-glycerate dehydrogenase/glyoxylate reductase. In comparison with PH1 much less is known about PH2 and considerable uncertainties remain about its frequency, clinical course and optimum management.