Previously, many researchers believed cystic fibrosis patients developed kidney stones in connection with intestinal malabsorption problems. Cystic fibrosis, one of the most common genetic diseases among Caucasians, afflicts approximately one in 3,200 people born each year in the United States. The so-called thief of breath slowly destroys patients' lungs through recurrent infections and often affects other vital organs. While kidney function is not greatly altered in these patients, kidney stones are an increasingly common complication as the life expectancy of these patients increases. In addition, nine out of 10 eventually are found to have a hardening of the kidneys from a build-up of calcium and oxalate.
Oxalate is a by-product of digestion.
The study participants, all residing in Germany and ranging in age from three to 39, had cystic fibrosis and showed no signs of an intestinal malabsorption problem. Their results were compared with findings from 21 healthy volunteers ages four to 44. O. formigenes appears to break down calcium oxalate before it can form crystals that evolve into kidney stones, he said. Oxalate is found in high concentrations in many foods, including asparagus, tea, broccoli, peanut butter, spinach and chocolate. When oxalate levels are kept low, it is easier for the body to excrete the substance through the kidneys.