Reference values of plasma oxalate in children and adolescents

Oxalate homeostasis is a derivative of absorption and transportation in the digestive system and renal/intestinal excretion of oxalate. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine normative values of plasma oxalate in relation to age, gender, and body size. A group of 1,260 healthy Caucasian children and adolescents aged 3 months to 18 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD) 10.5 ± 4.3] was studied. Each 1-year group comprised 70 subjects. Oxalate levels were assessed in blood plasma samples obtained from fasted individuals using the precipitation–enzymatic method with oxalate oxidase. Median oxalate levels in healthy infants was 3.20 µmol/L (5th–95th percentiles: 1.56–5.58) and was higher compared with older children [2.50 µmol/L (5th–95th percentiles: 0.95–5.74); p < 0.01]. No differences were found in plasma oxalate levels between boys and girls. There were no associations between plasma oxalate levels and anthropometric traits. In the healthy population aged 1–18 years, plasma oxalate concentration is independent of age, gender, and body size. Infants demonstrate higher plasma oxalate levels compared with older children, which suggests possible immature mechanisms of renal excretion. This study appears to be the first extensive report providing normative data for plasma oxalate in children and adolescents.