Final answer:
Fat malabsorption syndromes increase the risk of kidney stones due to excess oxalate absorption and reduced calcium binding in the intestines, leading to higher oxalate levels in the urine and stone formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals suffering from fat malabsorption syndromes are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Malabsorption can lead to an excess of oxalate being absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream, subsequently excreted by the kidneys. This excessive excretion can lead to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Moreover, fat malabsorption can also cause a decrease in calcium absorption in the gut, which binds to oxalate in the intestines. With less calcium available to bind oxalate, more oxalate is available to be absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted in the urine, leading to stone formation.
Kidney stones are a well-known kidney issue characterized by symptoms such as severe pain and hematuria. Treatment options for kidney failure when the kidneys can no longer function adequately include dialysis. However, the presence of fat malabsorption syndromes specifically increases the risk for kidney stones rather than infections, kidney failure, or cancer.