Treatment of enteric hyperoxaluria with calcium-containing organic marine hydrocolloid.

An organic marine hydrocolloid (OMH) charged with calcium ('Ox-Absorb') was studied in vitro for oxalate binding and in patients with enteric hyperoxaluria to investigate oxalate excretion and the inhibitory activity on crystal formation of the urine. In-vitro experiments showed complete binding of oxalate to OMH. In clinical studies in nineteen patients with intestinal disorders and stone formation, urinary oxalate excretion was significantly lower during OMH treatment than off treatment. The activity product index of calcium oxalate was reduced on treatment. A pronounced rise in the inhibitory activity of urine was seen in two patients with very low pretreatment values. Most patients experienced virtual normalisation of bowel function, and in those with severe stone formation there was substantial clinical improvement. It is concluded that OMH has the capacity to bind oxalate in vitro and to reduce urinary oxalate excretion. These observations suggest a new promising treatment for enteric hyperoxaluria.