Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Xanthinuria type II

A rare inherited condition of how the body handles purines, which can cause xanthine kidney stones and sometimes kidney problems.

Understanding Xanthinuria type II

Xanthinuria type II is a rare inherited condition in which the body can't break down xanthine, which can lead to kidney stones.

People with this condition lack two enzymes, xanthine dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase. This can lead to xanthine stones in the urinary tract and, in some people, kidney failure. Less common problems include joint disease, muscle disease and duodenal ulcer. Some people have no symptoms.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Muscle aches (myalgia)
  • Kidney stones
  • Kidney failure in some people
  • Joint problems (arthropathy)
  • Duodenal ulcer

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and kidney specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in MOCOS are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Kidney specialists (nephrologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with National Kidney Foundation and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Could genetic testing of the MOCOS gene confirm the diagnosis?
How can I lower my risk of kidney stones?
How often should my kidney function be checked?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Recessive
GenesMOCOS

Changes in the MOCOS gene cause this condition. It is autosomal recessive, meaning a child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent.

GeneticKidneyInherited Metabolic

Also known as: xan2; xanthine dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase combined deficiency of; xanthine dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase, combined deficiency of; xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine aldehyde oxidase dual deficiency; xdh and aox dual deficiency

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Xanthinuria type IIGARD ID 5620 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Xanthinuria type II.

Explore the Xanthinuria type II blog

Explore research for Xanthinuria type II

Explore actively recruiting Xanthinuria type II studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Xanthinuria type II with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Xanthinuria type II studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Xanthinuria type II

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Xanthinuria type II

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Xanthinuria type II experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.