Etymed
oxaluria
Definition
The presence of oxalic acid and oxalate salts in the urine. A small amount is physiologically normal; an abnormal excess is termed hyperoxaluria and predisposes to calcium-oxalate kidney stones.
Clinical context
Marked oxaluria (hyperoxaluria) - primary (genetic enzyme defect) or enteric (fat malabsorption in Crohn disease or short-gut) - drives recurrent calcium-oxalate nephrolithiasis and can cause nephrocalcinosis.
Mnemonic
OXAL + URIA = oxalate in the urine; too much (hyper-) builds calcium-oxalate stones.
These morphemes also unlock…
- oxal- — oxalic acid; sharp, sour (from oxys, sharp/sour)
- -uria — condition of the urine (from ouron, urine)