Acute calcitriol treatment mitigates vitamin D deficiency-associated mortality after intracerebral haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is emerging as a predictor of poor prognosis in various neurological conditions, where clinical outcomes are often worse in stroke patients with VDD. This study aimed to provide experimental evidence on whether and how pre-existing VDD would affect survival and neurofunctional outcomes in intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH), and to evaluate whether acute vitamin D (VD) supplementation would improve post-stroke outcomes. METHODS: Experimental ICH models were induced in mice with and without VDD. Haematoma size was measured using T2*-weighted MRI and haemoglobin concentration. Post-ICH mortality, neurofunctional outcomes and the extent of blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage were assessed to identify their correlations with VD status. Therapeutic benefits of acute VD administration were also evaluated. RESULTS: Mice with VDD exhibited significantly higher acute mortality rates and more severe motor deficits than mice without VDD post-ICH. Marked haematoma expansion and increased Evans blue extravasation were observed in VDD mice, suggesting that VDD was associated outcomes with increased BBB disruption. Acute treatment with a loading dose of VD (calcitriol) significantly improved outcomes in VDD mice. CONCLUSION: This study provides novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms at play in ICH concomitant with VDD and a scientific rationale for acute treatment with VD.

Clinical protocol using calcium and calcitriol after paediatric total thyroidectomy decreases postoperative hypocalcaemia and inpatient blood tests.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative hypocalcaemia is common after thyroidectomy. This study aimed to evaluate whether a standardised post-thyroidectomy protocol using prophylactic calcium and calcitriol reduces hypocalcaemia incidence after total thyroidectomy in children and adolescents. METHODS: A cohort children and adolescents ≤18 years of age undergoing total thyroidectomy between January 2016 and October 2022 in one institution were retrospectively identified and divided into pre-protocol and post-protocol groups. The primary outcome measure was hypocalcaemia (total serum calcium of <2.0 mmol/L; ionised serum calcium of 0.9 mmol/L). Secondary outcome measures were the occurrence of hypercalcaemia (serum Calcium >2.7 mmol/L; ionised calcium >1.31 mmol/L), length of hospitalisation and number of postoperative blood tests. RESULTS: There were 22 patients in each group (mean age 11.8; SD 4.3 years, female 36 %). The rate of hypocalcaemia was significantly higher in the pre-protocol group than the post-protocol group (54 % vs 13.6 %, p = 0.010). Patients in the pre-protocol group had more inpatient blood tests (mean 5.4; SD 3.2) than the post-protocol group (mean 3.3; SD 1.8, p = 0.011), although the total postoperative blood test count was similar between the groups. Six (13.6 %) patients developed hypercalcaemia. The rate of hypercalcaemia was similar between groups (pre-protocol 2, 9.1 %; post-protocol 4, 18.1 %; p = 0.664). Length of hospitalisation was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Our standardized protocol decreased hypocalcemia and inpatient blood tests after total thyroidectomy in children. Future research should explore if incorporating preoperative calcium and calcitriol treatment, along with intraoperative PTH levels for risk management, can further reduce hypocalcemia rates in paediatric patients.

Efficacy and safety of burosumab compared with conventional therapy in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia: A systematic review.

Burosumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), has been approved for the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). We conducted a systematic review to compare the efficacy and safety of burosumab versus conventional therapy (phosphorus and calcitriol) on XLH treatment. After a comprehensive literature search on MEDLINE/PubMed and Embase, we found nine studies for inclusion in the analysis. Risk of bias was assessed, and a random-effects model was used to determine the effect size. Clinical, biochemical, and radiological parameters of disease severity before and after treatment were analyzed and expressed in standardized mean difference (SMD). Burosumab resulted in normalization of phosphate homeostasis with an increase in renal tubular phosphate reabsorption and significant resolution of skeletal lesions (change in Thacher's total rickets severity score SMD: -1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.76 to -1.17, p < 0.001, improvement in deformities, and decline in serum alkaline phosphatase levels [SMD: 130.68, 95% CI: 125.26-136.1, p < 0.001)]. Conventional therapy led to similar improvements in all these parameters but to a lower degree. In adults, burosumab normalized phosphorus levels (SMD: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.98-1.47, p < 0.001) with resultant clinical improvement. Burosumab treatment was well tolerated, with only mild treatment-related adverse effects. The present review indicates a potential role for burosumab in improving rickets, deformities, and growth in children with XLH. Given its superior efficacy and safety profile, burosumab could be an effective therapeutic option in children. We suggest further studies comparing burosumab versus conventional therapy in children and adults with XLH.

Resveratrol and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D decrease Lingo-1 levels, and improve behavior in harmaline-induced Essential tremor, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.

Essential tremor (ET) is a neurological disease that impairs motor and cognitive functioning. A variant of the Lingo-1 genetic locus is associated with a heightened ET risk, and increased expression of cerebellar Lingo-1. Lingo-1 has been associated with neurodegenerative processes; however, neuroprotection from ET-associated degeneration can be conferred by the protein Sirt1. Sirt1 activity can be promoted by Resveratrol (Res) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VitD3), and thus these factors may exert neuroprotective properties through a Sirt1 mechanism. As Res and VitD3 are linked to Sirt1, enhancing Sirt1 could counteract the negative effects of increased Lingo-1. Therefore, we hypothesized that a combination of Res-VitD3 in a harmaline injection model of ET would modulate Sirt1 and Lingo-1 levels. As expected, harmaline exposure (10 mg/kg/every other day; i.p.) impaired motor coordination, enhanced tremors, rearing, and cognitive dysfunction. When Res (5 mg/kg/day; i.p.) and VitD3 (0.1 mg/kg/day; i.p.) were given to adult rats (n = 8 per group) an hour before harmaline, tremor severity, rearing, and memory impairment were reduced. Individual treatment with Res and VitD3 decreased Lingo-1 gene expression levels in qPCR assays. Co-treatment with Res and VitD3 increased and decreased Sirt1 and Lingo-1 gene expression levels, respectively, and in some cases, beneficial effects on behavior were noted, which were not seen when Res or VitD3 were individually applied. Taken together, our study found that Res and VitD3 improved locomotor and cognitive deficits, modulated Sirt1 and Lingo-1. Therefore, we would recommend co-treatment of VitD3 and Res to leverage complementary effects for the management of ET symptoms.

Chinese herbal medicine bath therapy for psoriasis vulgaris using topical calcipotriol as the comparator: A systematic review with meta-analysis and association rule analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Vitamin D analogues are the first-line topical agents for the long-term management of psoriasis. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) bath therapy is commonly employed for psoriasis. However, the effects and safety of CHM bath therapy for psoriasis vulgaris, using topical calcipotriol as the comparator, remain inconclusive. Furthermore, the combination of herbs, a distinctive feature of CHM, is essential for its therapeutic effects due to the individual and synergistic properties of the herbs involved. AIM OF THE STUDY: The review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CHM bath therapy for psoriasis vulgaris, using calcipotriol as the comparator. Potential herbs and herb combinations of CHM bath therapy were also explored for further drug discovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine databases were searched from inception until March 05, 2024. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating CHM bath therapy, using calcipotriol as the comparator, were included. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4, Stata 12.0 and SPSS Clementine 12.0 software. The evidence certainty for outcomes was assessed using the approach proposed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group. Moreover, association rule analysis on herbs identified in the systematic review was conducted to explore the potential herbs and herb combinations. RESULTS: A total of 17 RCTs involving 1,379 participants were included in this systematic review. The findings of this review revealed that: 1) CHM bath therapy produced comparable effects to calcipotriol in reducing Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI), and itch visual analogue scale (VAS) at the end of the treatment phase; as well as exhibited a superior long-term effect than calcipotriol through decreasing relapse rates at the end of the follow-up phase; 2) CHM bath therapy showed an additional benefit when combined with calcipotriol in managing psoriasis vulgaris at the end of the treatment phase, in terms of PASI, PSSI, itch VAS, IL-17, IL-23, CD3+ and CD4+ T cells. The certainty of the evidence was rated as 'very low', 'low' or 'moderate' based on the GRADE assessment, considering some concerns or high risk of bias of included studies, substantial heterogeneity, and existing publication bias of some outcomes. Additionally, the proportions of participants reporting adverse events were similar in both groups. Association rule analysis of all included herbs identified 23 herb combinations including Prunus persica (L.) Batsch and Carthamus tinctorius L., as well as 11 frequently used herbs, such as Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad., Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz. And Sophora flavescens Ait. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of CHM bath therapy were comparable with those of topical calcipotriol but demonstrated a longer-lasting effect. Combining CHM bath therapy with calcipotriol also provided an additional benefit for adult psoriasis vulgaris. However, the certainty of the evidence was downgraded due to the methodological limitations of included studies. To confirm the findings of this review, future investigations should involve double-blinded, placebo-controlled RCTs. Importantly, it appears worthwhile to consider further research for drug development utilising the identified herbs or herb combinations.

A delicate balance: the challenges of hypoparathyroidism.

A 38-yr-old woman with chronic non-surgical hypoparathyroidism, managed elsewhere, presented to our practice with symptomatic hypocalcemia. At the age of 17, she began to suffer from muscle cramps, paresthesia, and ongoing diffuse pain. It took years before she was correctly diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Her symptoms were severe enough that she required emergency room visits several times a year. After she was properly diagnosed and started on calcium and calcitriol therapy, she continued to experience frequent episodes of severe hypocalcemia. She saw multiple healthcare providers who each introduced a new regimen. In addition, poor communication led to her discontinuing her medications altogether. As a result, her calcium levels remained consistently low, and she lost confidence in her prospect for better health. At the time of her visit to our clinic, she had discontinued calcitriol, was taking a large amount of oral calcium daily all at once, and had hypocalcemia. We addressed her concerns, and the challenges she faces with adherence to her medication regimen. We provided her with detailed information about the disease and the reasoning behind her treatment plan. Treatment was initiated with calcium carbonate 600 mg 3 times daily and calcitriol 0.5 mcg once daily. One week after treatment initiation, her test results showed improvement in her albumin-adjusted calcium, phosphorus, and 24-h urine calcium which were all within target range.

Calcitriol ameliorates the progression of hepatic fibrosis through autophagy-related gene 16-like 1-mediated autophagy.

BACKGROUND: Calcitriol has the potential to counteract fibrotic diseases beyond its classical action of maintaining calcium and bone metabolism; however, its functional mechanism remains unknown. Autophagy-related gene 16-like 1 (Atg16l1) is one of the genes related to autophagy and is involved in protecting against fibrotic diseases. The present study aimed to explore the contribution of autophagy to the inhibition of calcitriol-induced hepatic fibrosis, as well as its potential molecular mechanism. METHODS: Carbon tetrachloride (Ccl4)-treated mice were established as hepatic fibrosis models and received calcitriol treatment for 6 weeks. Quantification of Sirius red staining and measurement of key fibrotic markers (collagen-1 and α-SMA) was performed to detect hepatic fibrosis. Chloroquine (CQ) treatment was used to observe autophagic flux, and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was used to inhibit autophagy. Furthermore, the effects of calcitriol on transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1)-stimulated primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were detected. Downregulation of Atg16l1 or vitamin D receptor (VDR) in LX-2 cells was used to explore the mechanism of action of calcitriol in fibrosis and autophagy. Additionally, the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to investigate the interactions between VDR and ATG16L1. RESULTS: Calcitriol increased the expression of VDR and ATG16L1, enhanced autophagy and attenuated hepatic fibrosis. 3-MA treatment and VDR silencing abolished the protective effects of calcitriol against fibrosis. Calcitriol-induced anti-fibrosis effects were blocked by ATG16L1 suppression. Furthermore, VDR bound to the ATG16L1 promoter and downregulation of VDR decreased the expression of ATG16L1 in LX-2 cells. CONCLUSION: Calcitriol mitigates hepatic fibrosis partly through ATG16L1-mediated autophagy.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia presenting with severe, refractory hypercalcaemia in an immunosuppressed renal transplant patient: Review of the literature and novel biochemical insights.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a rare but serious complication of immunosuppression post-solid organ transplantation. We present a case of refractory, severe hypercalcaemia due to PJP in a renal transplant recipient. Treatment of PJP led to normalisation of the patient's calcium levels, and clinical improvement. To further explore the proposed calcitriol-driven mechanism leading to hypercalcaemia in PJP, we performed biochemical analysis on pre- and post-treatment serum and bronchoalveolar lavage sample at the time of PJP diagnosis. We confirmed high circulating and pulmonary levels of calcitriol in acute, untreated PJP with severe hypercalcaemia. PJP treatment led to reduction of circulating calcitriol to within normal range. We present this case, together with a literature review of similar reported cases, and the novel biochemical evidence supporting extra-renal production of calcitriol by activated pulmonary macrophages as the mechanism underpinning hypercalcaemia in PJP.

Rickets Types and Treatment with Vitamin D and Analogues.

The definition of "Vitamin D" encompasses a group of fat-soluble steroid compounds of different origins with similar chemical structures and the same biological effects. Vitamin D deficiency and/or a defect in the process of its synthesis or transport predispose individuals to several types of rickets. In addition to cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, and vitamins D3 and D2, there are also active metabolites for the treatment of this condition which are commercially available. Calcitriol and aphacalcidiol are active metabolites that do not require the renal activation step, which is required with calcifediol, or hepatic activation. The purpose of this review is to summarize current approaches to the treatment of rickets for generalist physicians, focusing on the best vitamin D form to be used in each type, or, in the case of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), on both conventional and innovative monoclonal antibody treatments.

Revisiting the significance of nano-vitamin D for food fortification and therapeutic application.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D (a prohormone) is an important micronutrient required by the body for skeletal homeostasis and a range of non-skeletal actions. Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, regulates a variety of cellular and metabolic processes through both genomic and nongenomic pathways. Often prescribed for treating rickets and osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate various other medical conditions. SIGNIFICANCE, METHODS, AND RESULTS: Despite its multifunctional uses, the sensitivity of vitamin D makes formulating an efficient drug delivery system a challenging task, which is further complicated by its poor aqueous solubility. Enhancing the oral absorption of vitamin D is vital in utilizing its full efficacy. Recent developments in encapsulation and nanotechnology have shown promising results in overcoming these constraints. CONCLUSION: This review thus offers an insight to adequately comprehend the mechanistic pharmacology of vitamin D, its pathophysiological role, and justification of its medical indications, along with the benefits of utilizing nanotechnology for vitamin D delivery.

Paricalcitol para o tratamento de pacientes com hiperparatireoidismo secundário à doença renal crônica estágio 5D / Paricalcitol for the treatment of patients with hyperparathyroidism secondary to kidney disease chronic stage 5d

CONTEXTO: O hiperparatireoidismo secundário (HPTS) à doença crônica renal é caracterizado por elevados níveis séricos de paratormônio (PTH), hiperplasia das glândulas paratireoides, doença óssea de alto remanejamento e doença cardiovascular. O nível de PTH considerado adequado para pacientes com DRC estágio 5D está situado entre 150 e 300 pg/ml ou duas a nove vezes o valor limite do método de dosagem. Segundo o censo da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia (SBN), em 2020, estima-se que 144.779 pacientes estão em tratamento dialítico no Brasil. Destes, aproximadamente 18% apresentavam níveis de PTH acima de 600 pg/mL em 2019, enquanto em 2014 eram em torno de 26%, sugerindo que houve certo impacto na redução dos níveis de PTH com a incorporação do paricalcitol e implementação do PCDT em 2017. Para a redução dos níveis do PTH, estão disponíveis no mercado brasileiro três classes de medicamentos: ativadores não seletivos do receptor da vitamina D (calcitriol e alfacalcidol), ativadores seletivos de VDR (paricalcitol) e calcimiméticos (cinacalcete). Dentre os medicamentos supracitados, o SUS disponibiliza calcitriol oral, tendo sido descontinuados a apresentação intravenosa, em 2020, e o alfacalcidol oral, em 2017. Em relação ao paricalcitol, sua disponibilização no SUS está voltada aos pacientes com PTH igual ou superior a 500 pg/ml e, para o cinacalcete, aos pacientes com níveis de PTH acima de 800 pg/ml. Neste sentido o objetivo deste documento é analisar novas evidências científicas existentes sobre o paricalcitol, visando sua ampliação de uso para o tratamento do HPTS associado à DRC estágio 5D em pacientes com resposta inadequada ao calcitriol para manutenção dos níveis de PTH < 300 pg/ml, ou como primeira linha nos pacientes com HPTS moderado (PTH > 300 pg/ml) na ausência de hiperfosfatemia e hipercalcemia ou ainda nos pacientes em uso de cinacalcete que apresentem hipocalcemia e/ou necessitem da associação de paricalcitol para atingir os níveis alvo de PTH. TECNOLOGIA: Paricalcitol. PERGUNTA: O uso do paricalcitol é eficaz, seguro e custo-efetivo em pacientes com Hiperparatireoidismo secundário à DRC estágio 5D quando comparado ao calcitriol? EVIDÊNCIAS CIENTÍFICAS: A partir da busca das evidências conduzida nas bases de dados The Cochrane Library, MedLine (via PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), PubMed Central, Epistemonikos, NICE e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, uma revisão sistemática foi incluída para a síntese de evidências, por ser considerada a de melhor qualidade metodológica e a mais completa por atender à PICO definida. Quanto aos desfechos clínicos, a mortalidade por todas as causas, com RR 0,84; IC 95% 0,79- 0,90; <0,00001 demonstrau maior eficácia do tratamento com paricalcitol do que com outros análogos não seletivos de vitamina D. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na incidência de eventos adversos como hipercalcemia e hiperfosfatemia e no controle dos níveis de PTH. A qualidade metodológica geral da revisão sistemática selecionada para atualização foi classificada como moderada. Segundo o GRADE, a qualidade da evidência para o desfecho de mortalidade por todas as causas foi moderada; muito baixa para níveis séricos de fósforo e baixa para os demais desfechos avaliados. AVALIAÇÃO ECONÔMICA: Com base nos dados da literatura, foi construído um modelo de árvore de decisão para a análise de custo-efetividade, que considerou o desfecho de morte evitada e um horizonte temporal de 1 ano. Como resultado da comparação entre paricalcitol e calcitriol oral na perspectiva do SUS, a análise mostrou que a relação de custo efetividade (C/E) foi de R$ 1.213,68 ao ano e uma efetividade incremental de 0,032, referente a morte evitada em um ano. A RCEI foi de R$ 37.927,50 por morte evitada para o paricalcitol. ANÁLISE DE IMPACTO ORÇAMENTÁRIO: CONSIDERADOS três cenários, sendo dois de demanda aferida, com dados do Departamento de Assistência Farmacêutica e Insumos Estratégicos do Ministério da Saúde (DAF) e da Sala Aberta de Inteligência em Saúde (SABEIS); e um cenário de abordagem epidemiológica, baseado nos dados da SBN. Como resultados, estimou-se um impacto orçamentário incremental com a ampliação do uso do paricalcitol no SUS entre R$ 1.600.202,28 e R$ 4.128.565,65 no primeiro e, ao final de 5 anos de ampliação de uso, entre R$ 48.596.855,50 e R$ 62.90.555,73 considerando os cenários principal, baseado nos dados do DAF e nos dados da SABEIS e o epidemiológico com base nos dados da SBN. Já ao final de 5 anos de ampliação de uso, estimou-se um impacto incremental que variou de R$ 59.717.279,99 a R$ 101.637.532,13 a depender do cenário considerado. Monitoramento do Horizonte Tecnológico: Identificou-se apenas um medicamento, denominado etelcalcetide, o qual não possui registro sanitário na Anvisa. Entretanto, obteve registro na Europa (EMA) em 2016 e nos EUA (FDA) em 2017. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: O paricalcitol foi incorporado pelo SUS em 2015, sendo contemplado como segunda linha de tratamento para pacientes com HPTS à DRC, em diálise. Entretanto, com base em diretrizes nacionais e internacionais sobre o tema, avaliou-se a sua ampliação para pacientes com PTH acima de 300 pg/ml na ausência de hiperfosfatemia e hipercalcemia ou ainda nos pacientes em uso de cinacalcete que apresentem hipocalcemia e/ou necessitem da associação de paricalcitol para atingir os níveis alvo de PTH. As evidências clínicas selecionadas demonstraram que paricalcitol é mais eficaz que outros análogos não seletivos de vitamina D, como calcitriol, nos desfechos de mortalidade por todas as causas, enquanto que não foram observadas diferenças significativas na incidência de eventos adversos como hipercalcemia e hiperfosfatemia e nos níveis de PTH. A maioria dos desfechos apresentou qualidade da evidência baixa, com exceção da mortalidade que foi moderada. Na avaliação econômica, a análise mostrou que o uso de paricalcitol resulta em um custo incremental de R$ 1.213,68 ao ano e uma efetividade incremental de 0,032, referente a morte evitada em um ano. A RCEI foi de R$ 37.927,50 por morte evitada para o paricalcitol. Estimou-se que o impacto orçamentário incremental com a ampliação do uso do paricalcitol no SUS estará entre R$ 1.600.202,28 e R$ 4.128.565,65 no primeiro e, ao final de 5 anos de ampliação de uso, entre R$ 48.596.855,50 e R$ 62.90.555,73 a depender do cenário considerado. PERSPECTIVA DO PACIENTE: A chamada pública de número 54/2021 para participar da Perspectiva do Paciente sobre o tema foi aberta de 14/09/2021 a 20/09/2021 e três pessoas se inscreveram. A indicação dos representantes titular e suplente para fazer o relato da experiência foi feita a partir de definição consensual por parte do grupo de inscritos. No relato, o participante descreveu sua experiência de tratamento com o cinacalcete ­ que era suspenso e retomado quando as alterações nos níveis de PTH assim exigiam. O paciente não mais utiliza o medicamento desde a realização do segundo transplante renal, visto que desde então os níveis de PTH se mantêm estáveis. RECOMENDAÇÃO PRELIMINAR DA CONITEC: O Plenário da Conitec, em sua 104ª Reunião Ordinária, no dia 09 de dezembro de 2021, deliberou que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em Consulta Pública com recomendação preliminar favorável à ampliação de uso do paricalcitol para o tratamento de pacientes com hiperparatireoidismo secundário à doença renal crônica, submetidos à diálise, com níveis de PTH acima de 300 pg/ml e ausência de hiperfosfatemia e hipercalcemia. Os membros da Conitec consideraram que o paricalcitol possui eficácia superior e segurança semelhante ao comparador calcitriol, diminuindo a mortalidade geral dos pacientes em diálise. CONSULTA PÚBLICA: Foram recebidas sete contribuições, sendo duas pelo formulário técnico-científico e cinco pelo formulário sobre experiência ou opinião. Das duas contribuições de cunho técnico-científico recebidas, uma foi favorável e outra contra à recomendação inicial da Conitec. Não houve apresentação de dados sobre evidências clínicas, análise de impacto orçamentário ou avaliação econômica. As cinco contribuições recebidas sobre experiência com a tecnologia ou opinião sobre o tema concordaram com a recomendação inicial da Conitec. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: O Plenário da Conitec, em sua 105ª Reunião Ordinária, no dia 09 de fevereiro de 2022, deliberou por unanimidade recomendar a ampliação de uso do paricalcitol para o tratamento de pacientes com hiperparatireoidismo secundário à doença renal crônica, submetidos à diálise, com níveis de PTH acima de 300 pg/ml e com normo ou hipocalcemia. Por fim, foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 699/2022. DECISÃO: Ampliar o uso do paricalcitol para o tratamento de pacientes com hiperparatireoidismo secundário à doença renal crônica, submetidos à diálise, com níveis de PTH acima de 300 pg/ml e com normo ou hipocalcemia, e conforme protocolo estabelecido pelo Ministério da Saúde, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS, conforme a Portaria nº 36, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 72, seção 1, página 447, em 14 de abril de 2022.

Exclusão do medicamento calcitriol 1, 0 mcg/mL injetável / Exclusion of the drug calcitriol 1. 0 mcg / mL injectable

CONTEXTO: Os distúrbios do metabolismo mineral e ósseo (DMO) que ocorrem na doença renal crônica (DRC) são frequentes e caracterizam-se pela presença de alterações dos níveis séricos de cálcio, fósforo, vitamina D e hormônio da paratireoide (PTH), de anormalidades ósseas (remodelação, mineralização e volume ósseo) ou da presença de calcificações extraesqueléticas. Dentre estes, a deficiência de calcitriol é um importante mecanismo envolvido na progressão do hiperparatireoidismo secundário (HPTS). Estas anormalidades da DRC podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de doença cardiovascular, calcificação vascular e mortalidade. Segundo censo de 2015 da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia, estima-se que 111.303 pacientes se encontram em terapia renal substitutiva, sendo que aproximadamente 90% estão em hemodiálise. Destes, aproximadamente 33% apresentavam hiperfosfatemia, 18% níveis de PTH acima de 600 pg/mL e 14% abaixo de 100 pg/mL. Em relação ao tratamento, cerca de 11% usavam calcitriol, 3% paricalcitol e 3% cinacalcete. Dentre as opções terapêuticas preconizadas pelo Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas (PCDT) do Distúrbio Mineral Ósseo na Doença Renal Crônica, do Ministério da Saúde, está o calcitriol, em cápsulas de 0,25 mcg e ampolas de 1 mcg para uso intravenoso. Segundo o PCDT, as doses orais e injetáveis de calcitriol são equivalentes. Portanto cada ampola de calcitriol de 1 mcg equivale a 4 comprimidos de calcitriol 0,25 mcg. TECNOLOGIA: calcitriol 1,0 mcg/mL injetável. JUSTIFICATIVA DA EXCLUSÃO: Atualmente, há apenas um registro sanitário válido para o calcitriol 1,0 mcg/mL injetável no Brasil. Entretanto, sua única empresa fabricante, Abbvie Farmacêutica Ltda., informou ao DAF sua decisão de descontinuar a comercialização do medicamento no país, de modo que calcitriol 1,0 mcg/mL injetável só deve ser comercializado até o fim do ano de 2020. Tendo isso em mente e considerando que existem outros medicamentos preconizados pelo referido PCDT, incluindo o calcitriol 0,25 mcg em cápsula, o DAF entende que a população não deixará de ser atendida devido à ausência de alternativas terapêuticas para essa condição. Além disso, o PCDT do Distúrbio Mineral Ósseo na DRC considera que ambas as apresentações farmacêuticas são equivalentes. Dessa forma, a exclusão de calcitriol 1,0 mcg/mL injetável do SUS se faz necessária para que os pacientes que atualmente o utilizam possam migrar para as demais terapias disponíveis, sem que haja interrupções em seus tratamentos. RECOMENDAÇÃO FINAL DA CONITEC: O Plenário da Conitec, em sua 92ª Reunião Ordinária, no dia 04 de novembro de 2020, deliberou por unanimidade recomendar a exclusão do calcitriol 1,0 mcg/mL injetável, no SUS. Assim, foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 571/2020. DECISÃO: Excluir o medicamento calcitriol 1,0 mcg/mL injetável, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde ­ SUS, conforme Portaria nº 57, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 228, seção 1, página 716, em 1º de dezembro de 2020.

Tratamiento de hipoparatiroidismo con parathormona recombinante humana [rhPTH(1-84)] / Hypoparathyroidism treated with recombinant human parathyroid hormone [rhPTH(1-84)]

El hipoparatiroidismo (hipoPTH) es una enfermedad infrecuente caracterizada por hipocalcemia y niveles inapropiadamente bajos o ausentes de parathormona. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 25 años, deportista de alto rendimiento, con antecedente de hipoPTH secundario a tiroidectomía total dos años antes por cáncer papilar multifocal bilateral tiroideo, estadificado como T3 N1b M0, derivado por hipocalcemia sintomática. Presentaba calcemias promedio de 7mg%, síntomas de hipocalcemia en reposo y múltiples internaciones. Inicialmente, se optimizó tratamiento convencional con aporte de calcio vía oral hasta 12g/día, vitamina D y calcitriol, sin mejoría clínica ni bioquímica. Se descartaron malabsorción y complicaciones crónicas de hipoPTH. Se evidenció a través de cuestionario de salud SF-36 disminución de la calidad de vida. Se indicó sustitución con parathormona recombinante humana [rhPTH(1-84)] 50μg/día subcutánea con posterior ascenso a 75μg y reducción progresiva de la medicación por vía oral. Actualmente se encuentra asintomático, sin requerimiento de calcio ni vitamina D, mantiene calcemias de 9mg%, realiza actividad deportiva y demuestra marcada mejoría en la calidad de vida según cuestionario SF-36 (36-Item Short Form Health Survey).

Hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) is a rare disease characterized by low calcium and inappropriately low circulating parathormone levels. We present the case of a 25-year-old high-performance athlete male, with history of HypoPT after total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (T3 N1b M0) two years before, who was referred to our clinic for symptomatic hypocalcemia. The patient reported serum calcium average levels of 7mg%, presented symptoms of hypocalcemia at rest and had multiple hospital admissions. First, standard treatment was optimized by calcium supplementation up to 12g/d and active vitamin D, not showing clinical or biochemical improvement. Malabsorption and complications of chronic HypoPT were ruled out. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) demonstrated an impaired quality of life (QoL). Full-length recombinant human parathyroid hormone [rhPTH(1-84)] therapy was started with 50μg/d subcutaneous, and later adjusted to 75μg/d and the oral treatment gradually decreased. Currently, he is asymptomatic, with serum calcium levels above 9mg%, without receiving oral medication. He performs sports activity and shows marked improvement in quality of life according to SF-36 questionnaire.

Recidiva del hiperparatiroidismo secundario a enfermedad renal crónica en diálisis luego de la paratiroidectomía / Recurrence of secondary hyper¬parathyroidism in dialysis patients after parathyroidectomy

La paratiroidectomía (PTX) es la terapia de elección en el hiperparatiroidismo secundario a enfermedad renal crónica (HPT-ERC) resistente al tratamiento médico. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el resultado de la PTX a largo plazo y sus factores predictores. Métodos: estudio unicéntrico retrospectivo observacional. Se incluyeron 92 pacientes con HPT-ERC en diálisis, en quienes se realizó la primera PTX en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires entre 2006 y 2015 con seguimiento ≥ 6 meses. Se consideró persistencia del HPTERC con PTH > 300 pg/ml en el semestre posoperatorio, y recidiva con PTH > 500 pg/ml luego. Resultados: edad: 43,6±12,8 años, 50% mujeres, mediana 4,6 años de diálisis, PTH preoperatoria mediana 1639 pg/ml. A 39 se les realizó PTX subtotal (PTXS) y a 53 total con autoimplante (PTXT+AI). Se observó persistencia en 16 pacientes (17,4%). Presentaron recidiva 30 de 76 pacientes con adecuada respuesta inicial (39,5%; IC 95 28,5-50,5). La mediana de tiempo hasta la recidiva fue de 4,7 años (RIC 2,3-7,5). Los pacientes con recidiva presentaron mayor calcemia preoperatoria (mediana 9,9 vs. 9,3 mg/dl, p=0,035; OR ajustado 2,79) y menor elevación de fosfatasa alcalina en el posoperatorio (333 vs. 436 UI/l, p=0,031; OR ajustado 0,99). La recidiva se presentó más frecuentemente luego de la PTXT+AI (48,9%; OR ajustado 4,66), que en la PTXS (25,8%). Conclusiones: el tiempo en diálisis con inadecuado control metabólico constituye el principal factor para la recurrencia del HPT. Se postula que la mayor calcemia preoperatoria está relacionada con un HPT más severo y se asocia a recurrencia. Llamativamente, hallamos menores elevaciones de la fosfatasa alcalina durante el posoperatorio en pacientes con recurrencia. Hipotetizamos que esto pueda asociarse con menor mineralización en el posoperatorio e hiperfosfatemia sostenida, con consecuente estímulo paratiroideo. La menor recurrencia del HPT luego de la PTXS se vincula al sesgo generado en la selección del tipo de cirugía. (AU)

Parathyroidectomy is an effective therapy for refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT). Continued dialysis represents risk for recurrent sHPT. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of recurrence and determine its predictors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 92 adults in chronic dialysis, who underwent their first parathyroidectomy in this center between 2006 and 2015. We considered persistence of sHPT if PTH was > 300 pg/ml during the first postoperative semester, and recurrence if it was > 500 pg/ml afterwards. Results: Age 43.6+-12 y/o, 50% female, 4.6 years on dialysis, median preoperative PTH 1636 pg/ml (IQR 1226-2098). Subtotal parathyroidectomy (sPTX) was performed in 39, Total with autotransplantation (TA-PTX) in 53 patients. Persistence of sHPT occurred in 16 patients; relapse in 30 out of 76 with adequate initially response (39.5%; 95CI 28,5-50,5). Median time to recurrence: 4.7 y. Recurring patients had higher preoperative calcemia (9.9 vs 9.3 mg/dl; adj OR 2.79) and lower postoperative elevation of ALP (333 vs 436 UI/ml; adj OR 0.99). Recurrence presented more frequently in TA-PTX (48.9%; adj OR 4.66) than sPTX (25.8%). Conclusions: Time on dialysis with inadequate metabolic control remains the most important risk factor for sHPT recurrence. Higher preoperative levels of calcemia, related to sHPT severity, are associated with recurrence. Lower elevations of ALP during postoperative period in recurring patients are an interesting finding. We hypothesize that patients with less significant postoperative mineralization may have chronically higher levels of phosphatemia, stimulating parathyroid glands. Fewer recurrence in sPTX is associated to a bias in the procedure selection. (AU)

Therapeutic effects of vitamin D on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

Abstract Purpose To analyze the effect of calcitriol treatment on acute colitis in an experimental rat model. Methods A total of 24 adult Sprague Dawley albino rats were randomly separated into 3 equal groups: control group (n:8), colitis group (n:8), calcitriol administered group (n:8). A single dose of acetic acid (1 ml of 4% solution) was administered intrarectally to induce colitis. Group 1 was given 1 ml/kg 0.9% NaCl intraperitoneally; rats belonging to Group 2 were administered calcitriol 1 µg/kg for 5 days. Results Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha, Pentraxin 3, and malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower in the calcitriol administered colitis group than in the standard colitis group (p<0.01). In the Calcitriol group, there was a significant histological improvement in hyperemia, hemorrhage and necrotic areas in the epithelium compared to the placebo group (p <0.000). Conclusion The findings suggest that calcitriol may be an agent that could be used in acute colitis treatment.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of paricalcitol versus calcitriol for the treatment of SHPT in dialytic patients from the SUS perspective / Análise de custo-efetividade de paricalcitol versus calcitriol no tratamento do HPTS em pacientes do SUS dialíticos, da perspectiva

Abstract Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a consequence of chronic kidney disease. The treatment at the Brazilian Unified Heath System (SUS) is performed with calcitriol, a drug which favors hypercalcemia and/or hyperphosphatemia, hindering the control of SHPT. Another option is paricalcitol, which causes parathormone (PTH) suppression faster than calcitriol, with minor changes in calcium-phosphorus product and calcium and phosphorus serum levels. Objective: This study aims to develop a cost-effectiveness analysis of paricalcitol versus calcitriol for patients in dialytic treatment with SHPT, from the SUS perspective. Methods: A Markov decision model was developed for patients ≥ 50 years old with end stage renal disease in dialytic treatment and SHPT. Quarterly cycles and a lifetime time horizon were considered. Life years (LY) gained were assessed as clinical outcome. Clinical and economic inputs were obtained from systematic literature review and official databases. Costs are presented in Brazilian real (BRL), for the year 2014. Results: In the base case: paricalcitol generated a clinical benefit of 16.28 LY gained versus 14.11 LY gained with calcitriol, total costs of BRL 131,064 and BRL 114,262, respectively, determining an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of BRL 7,740 per LY gained. The data robustness was confirmed by the sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: According to cost-effectiveness threshold recommended by the World Health Organization for 2013, the treatment of SHPT in patients on dialysis with paricalcitol is cost-effective when compared to calcitriol, from the public healthcare system perspective, in Brazil.

Resumo Introdução: O hiperparatireoidismo secundário (HPTS) é uma consequência da doença renal crônica. O tratamento no SUS é realizado com calcitriol, que favorece a hipercalcemia e/ou hiperfosfatemia, dificultando o controle do HPTS. Uma opção clinicamente relevante é o paricalcitol, que ocasiona a supressão do paratormônio (PTH) de forma mais rápida que o calcitriol e com menores alterações nas taxas séricas de cálcio, fósforo e do produto cálcio-fósforo. Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo desenvolver uma análise de custo-efetividade de paricalcitol versus calcitriol para pacientes em diálise com HPTS, perspectiva do SUS. Métodos: Foi desenvolvido um modelo de decisão de Markov para a população ≥ 50 anos, com DRC em diálise e HPTS. Foram considerados ciclos trimestrais e um horizonte temporal lifetime. O desfecho clínico avaliado foram os anos de vida ganhos. Dados foram obtidos a partir de revisão sistemática da literatura e bases de dados oficiais. Custos em reais (R$), ano de 2014. Resultados: No caso base: paricalcitol gerou benefício clínico de 16,28 anos de vida ganhos versus 14,11 anos de vida ganhos com calcitriol, custos totais de R$ 131.064 e R$ 114.262, respectivamente. A razão de custo-efetividade incremental de R$ 7.740 por ano de vida salvo. Dados robustos confirmados pela análise de sensibilidade. Conclusão: De acordo com o limiar de custo-efetividade recomendado pela Organização Mundial de Saúde para o ano de 2013, o tratamento de pacientes com HPTS em diálise com paricalcitol é custo-efetivo, comparado ao calcitriol, perspectiva SUS.

Improvement of health-related quality of life and adherence to treatment with calcipotriol-betamethasone dipropionate gel in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common, chronic, recurrent, immune-mediated disorder of the skin and joints. It can have a significant negative impact on the physical, emotional and psychosocial wellbeing of affected patients. OBJECTIVES: To measure improvement in health-related QoL (HRQoL) in Greek patients with psoriasis vulgaris after a month of treatment with calcipotriol-betamethasone dipropionate gel; and evaluate adherence to treatment parameters. METHODS: The study included 394 psoriasis vulgaris patients from 16 private dermatological practices in Greece, all treated with calcipotriol-betamethasone dipropionate gel. They were evaluated at the first visit and after 4 weeks. Moreover, they completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), while other data such as disease severity, subjective symptoms and adherence, were collected. RESULTS: At week 4, the DLQI median was reduced by 3.5 points from the baseline (p<0.001; baseline and week 4 median: 4.5 and 1.0 respectively). Pruritus and sleep disorders also improved (p<0.001). Furthermore, 90.1% of the subjects fully adhered to treatment, with a 97.1% mean level of compliance. CONCLUSIONS: The convincing clinical results, with a distinct improvement in HRQoL, plus the high level of adherence due to its advantageous physical properties, make the calcipotriol-betamethasone dipropionate gel formulation an important, effective and well-tolerated topical therapy to treat psoriasis.