A New Paradigm for the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
1 Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
2 Eurodial, Euromedic, Dialysis Unit, Leiria, Portugal
Correspondence: Angel L. M. de Francisco, Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital Universitario Valdecilla, Avda Valdecilla s/n, E-39008 Santander, Spain. E-mail: martinal{at}medi.unican.es
| Abstract |
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The global rise in chronic kidney disease makes secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) a growing medical concern. Conventional therapies for treating SHPT are limited and include calcium-based and calcium-free phosphate binders for reducing serum phosphorus and vitamin D or its analogues for simultaneous stimulation of calcium absorption and suppression of parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene expression. Control of SHPT using these therapies has typically been poor. Recent studies have demonstrated that use of calcimimetics that reduce PTH secretion by increasing the sensitivity of the parathyroid gland calcium-sensing receptor to circulating calcium allow improved control of serum PTH, calcium, phosphorus and calcium–phosphorus product. This review describes experimental data and the clinical rationale supporting novel strategies for the integration of calcimimetics with conventional therapies to improve control of SHPT.
Key Words: calcium-sensing receptor chronic kidney disease cinacalcet parathyroid hormone secondary hyperparathyroidism
Received for publication July 17, 2007. Accepted for publication September 10, 2007.