CYSTIC-FIBROSIS AND CALCIUM-OXALATE NEPHROLITHIASIS

During the past six years. we have treated eight patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) for nephrolithiasis. In seven patients, the stones were comprised of calcium oxalate. Another six patients had calcium oxalate crystalluria. In our CF population of 140 patients, this represents a cumulative incidence of calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis of 5.7 percen t and an additional 4.2 percent incidence of crystalluria. Experience with these patients is reviewed. Pancreatic insufficiency was universa lly associated with nephrolithiasis or crystalluria. Diabetes and cirr hosis were also common. Predisposing factors and potential mechanisms of stone disease in pancreatic insufficient CF patients are discussed, focusing on the relationship between fat malabsorption in CF to oxala te metabolism.