Vitamin D status and intermediate vascular and bone outcomes in chronic kidney disease: a secondary post hoc analysis of IMPROVE-CKD.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has been associated with abnormalities of mineral metabolism and vascular calcification. Vitamin D influences parathyroid hormone values and calcium and phosphate metabolism, and may play a role in vascular function and bone health. We aimed to test our hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency is associated with arterial stiffness, aortic calcification and lower bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with CKD. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using baseline data from the IMpact of Phosphate Reduction On Vascular Endpoints in CKD (IMPROVE-CKD) study cohort. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between those with and without vitamin D deficiency, defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) <50 nmol/L. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess associations between serum 25(OH)D levels and pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), abdominal aortic calcification (measured by the Agatston score) and lumbar spine BMD. RESULTS: Baseline 25(OHD) values were available in 208 out of 278 IMPROVE-CKD study participants, with a mean value of 70.1 ± 30.7 nmol/L. Of these, 57 (27%) patients had vitamin D deficiency. Those with 25(OH)D deficiency were more likely to have diabetes (56% vs 38%), cardiovascular disease (54% vs 36%) and lower serum calcium (2.29 ± 0.13 vs 2.34 ± 0.13 mmol/L). On univariable and multivariable regression analyses, baseline 25(OH)D values were not associated with PWV, the AIx, Agatston score or BMD. CONCLUSION: Baseline 25(OH)D levels were not associated with intermediate markers of vascular function and BMD in patients with CKD stages 3b and 4.

Efficacy of intraperitoneal calcium for hungry bone syndrome following parathyroidectomy: A case report.

A man with hyperparathyroidism secondary to kidney failure on peritoneal dialysis underwent a parathyroidectomy with half-gland reimplantation complicated by severe hungry bone syndrome resulting in severe hypocalcaemia, hypotension and QT prolongation on ECG. He was initially managed with oral calcium and intravenous (IV) calcium chloride. Despite standard supportive treatment, attempts to wean IV therapy were unsuccessful. We report the novel use of intraperitoneal calcium to facilitate the weaning of IV calcium and discharge from hospital. A subsequent peritoneal membrane adequacy study did not demonstrate loss of peritoneal membrane adequacy.

Calciphylaxis Episodes in the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry.

Introduction: Calciphylaxis is a rare disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Data registries are an invaluable source of information for rare diseases. We reviewed cases of calciphylaxis recorded in the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) and evaluated associations and outcomes of this condition. Methods: Data was obtained on all cases of calciphylaxis reported between 2019 and 2022 in Australian and New Zealand patients on kidney replacement therapy (KRT). This cohort was compared to all patients in the registry who received KRT from 2019 to 2022 without an episode of calciphylaxis. Cox proportional hazards regression including a time-varying covariate for calciphylaxis episode was conducted for mortality with models restricted to patients on dialysis only. Results: From 2019 to 2022, 333 patients had calciphylaxis episodes reported. Overall incidence rate for patients on dialysis was 4.5 (4.1-5.1) episodes per 1000 patient-years on dialysis. Median age was 63 (interquartile range [IQR]: 55-73) years, 54% were female, 66% had diabetes, 59% were obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 77% were receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment. Compared to patients without calciphylaxis (n = 46,526), patients with calciphylaxis were more likely to be older, female, and have diabetes, greater BMI, coronary artery, and peripheral vascular disease. The median time to calciphylaxis was 3.2 (IQR: 0.9-6.7) years after KRT commencement. Half of the patients with calciphylaxis died by 12 months from diagnosis. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of mortality for patients on dialysis with calciphylaxis <1 year and 1 to 4 years after an episode was 5.8 (4.9-6.9) and 1.5 (1.0-2.1), respectively compared to patients on dialysis without calciphylaxis. Conclusion: Calciphylaxis is a rare but life-threatening condition in people on KRT with the greatest mortality burden within 12 months of diagnosis.

Sustained hypophosphatemia after denosumab in a patient on hemodialysis.

An 81-year-old Caucasian man who had commenced thrice weekly hemodialysis (HD) three months earlier, presented with a hip fracture, two vertebral fractures and a bone mineral density T-score of -3.6. He had received weekly iron sucrose infusions for 6 weeks and alphacalcidol on dialysis days. Although he suffered from coeliac disease and cirrhosis, he was fully ambulatory and well-nourished. He was normocalcaemic with a marginally low plasma phosphate and the PTH was 11.8 pmol/L (<2-times the upper range of the assay). In view of his severe osteoporosis, it was decided to treat him with denosumab (dmab). Laboratory assessment 2 weeks post dmab showed severe hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia; phosphate 0.11 mmol/L and ionized calcium 0.83 mmol/L, and he was admitted for intravenous phosphate infusion. Three months later he remained on a phosphate supplement. The case illustrates that, in addition to the risks of hypocalcemia in patients with kidney failure and high bone turnover, kidney failure patients without evidence of high bone turnover, can also be at risk of hypocalcemia and severe hypophosphatemia requiring acute hospitalization and phosphate infusion. The potential role of compromised phosphate absorption versus increased deposition will be discussed. We recommend a cautious approach to dmab therapy in patients on dialysis, with evaluation of bone turnover and serum phosphate levels prior to initiation of treatment.

Chronic kidney disease-related sarcopenia as a prognostic indicator in elderly haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: The mortality of dialysis patients greatly exceeds that of the general population and identifying predictive factors for mortality may provide opportunities for earlier intervention. This study assessed the influence of sarcopenia on mortality in patients on haemodialysis. METHODS: This prospective, observational study enrolled 77 haemodialysis patients aged 60 years and over, of whom 33 (43%) were female, from two community dialysis centres. Baseline demographic and laboratory data were collected, and sarcopenia was diagnosed using grip strength, muscle mass by bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and muscle function by timed up-and-go according to European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Nutritional status was assessed using a subjective nutritional assessment score, comprising functional changes in weight, appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms and energy.. A comorbidity score (maximum 7 points) was derived from the presence or absence of hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, vascular disease (cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm), diabetes mellitus, respiratory disease, a history of malignancy and psychiatric disease. Outcomes over six years were linked to the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry. RESULTS: The median participant age was 71 years (range 60-87). Probable and confirmed sarcopenia was present in 55.9% and severe sarcopenia with reduced functional testing in 11.7%. Over 6 years, overall mortality was 50 of the 77 patients (65%), principally from cardiovascular events, dialysis withdrawal and infection. There were no significant survival differences between patients with no, probable, confirmed, or severe sarcopenia, or between tertiles of the nutritional assessment score. After adjustment for age, dialysis vintage, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the total comorbidity score, no sarcopenia category predicted mortality. However, the total comorbidity score [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.27, Confidence Intervals (CI) 1.02, 1.58, p = 0.03] and MAP (HR 0.96, CI 0.94, 0.99, P = < 0.01) predicted mortality. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in elderly haemodialysis patients but is not an independent predictor of mortality. Haemodialysis patients have multiple competing risks for mortality which, in this study, was predicted by a lower MAP and a higher total comorbidity score. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Recruitment commenced December 2011. The study was registered 10.01.2012 with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612000048886).

Current Status of Mineral and Bone Disorders in Transplant Recipients.

Most patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing kidney transplantation are affected by the chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder. This entity encompasses laboratory abnormalities, calcification of soft tissues, and the bone abnormalities of renal osteodystrophy that together result in an increased risk of fracture, cardiovascular events, and mortality. Although many biochemical disturbances associated with end-stage kidney disease improve in the first year after transplantation, hyperparathyroidism commonly persists, and residual changes of renal osteodystrophy are slow to resolve. When superimposed on common, traditional risk factors, post-transplant glucocorticoid treatment, the possibility of tubular disturbances and post-transplant chronic kidney disease, rates of incident fracture remain high. This review examines hormonal and biochemical changes before and after kidney transplantation, fracture risk assessment tools and imaging modalities, a staged approach to management and concerns associated with antiresorptive and anabolic therapies. A multidisciplinary approach is proposed as the best means to improve patient-level outcomes.

Effect of lanthanum carbonate on serum calciprotein particles in patients with stage 3-4 CKD-results from a placebo-controlled randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Calciprotein particles (CPP) are colloidal aggregates of calcium phosphate and the mineral-binding protein fetuin-A, and are potential mediators of cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Emerging evidence suggests non-calcium-containing phosphate binders may reduce serum CPP in patients with kidney failure who require dialysis; however, it is unclear whether similar interventions are effective in patients with earlier stages of CKD. METHODS: The IMpact of Phosphate Reduction On Vascular End-points in CKD (IMPROVE-CKD) was a multi-centre, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of lanthanum carbonate on cardiovascular markers in 278 participants with stage 3b/4 CKD. In this pre-specified exploratory analysis, primary (CPP-I) and secondary CPP (CPP-II) were measured in a sub-cohort of participants over 96 weeks. Treatment groups were compared using linear mixed-effects models and the relationship between serum CPP and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) was examined. RESULTS: A total of 253 participants had CPP data for baseline and at least one follow-up timepoint and were included in this analysis. The mean age was 62.4 ± 12.6 years, 32.0% were female and the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 26.6 ± 8.3 mL/min/1.73 m2. Baseline median serum CPP-I was 14.9 × 104 particles/mL [interquartile range (IQR) 4.6-49.3] and median CPP-II was 3.3 × 103 particles/mL (IQR 1.4-5.4). There was no significant difference between treatment groups at 96 weeks in CPP-I [22.8% (95% confidence interval -39.2, 36.4), P = 0.65] or CPP-II [-18.3% (95% confidence interval -40.0, 11.2), P = 0.20] compared with a placebo. Serum CPP were not correlated with baseline PWV or AAC, or with the progression of either marker. CONCLUSIONS: Lanthanum carbonate was not associated with a reduction of CPP at 96 weeks when compared with a placebo in a CKD cohort.

DXA-derived advanced hip analysis and the trabecular bone score in end-stage kidney disease secondary to type 1 diabetes.

Objective: Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) caused by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have a heightened fracture risk. Bone mineral density (BMD) may predict fracture less accurately in ESKD than in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1-3b or the general population. Alternate, readily available imaging modalities are needed to improve ESKD fracture risk assessment. This study aimed to assess dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived BMD, the trabecular bone score (TBS) and advanced hip analysis parameters in patients with ESKD due to T1DM and to compare their results with those of patients with ESKD from other causes. Methods: We compared the DXA-derived TBS, hip cortical thickness (CT) and femoral neck (FN) buckling ratio (BR), an index of FN stability, of patients with T1DM and ESKD undergoing simultaneous pancreas kidney transplantation, patients with ESKD from other causes receiving kidney transplants and population reference ranges. Results: Of 227 patients with ESKD, 28% had T1DM and 65% were male. Compared with other ESKD patients, patients with T1DM were younger (42 ± 7.7 vs 51 ± 13.8 years), had shorter dialysis duration (24.4 ± 21 vs 42.6 ± 40 months), had higher HbA1c (7.9 ± 1.57% vs 5.4 ± 0.95%) and had lower BMI (25 ± 6 vs 27 ± 5 kg/m2). They had lower spine, hip and UD radius BMD Z-scores (all P ≤ 0.001), TBS (1.33 ± 0.12 vs 1.36 ± 0.12; P = 0.05), CT at the FN (P = 0.03), calcar (P = 0.006) and shaft (P < 0.001) and higher BR (10.1±7.1 vs 7.7±4; P = 0.006). All ESKD parameters were lower than population-based reference ranges (P < 0.001). Adjusting for age, sex, dialysis vintage and weight, prevalent vertebral fractures in patients with T1DM and ESKD were associated with higher BR (odds ratio (OR): 3.27 (95% CI: 1.19-8.92), P = 0.002) and lower FN CT (OR: 3.70 (95% CI: 1.13-12.50)). Conclusion: Patients with ESKD and T1DM have reduced TBS, reduced CT and increased BR compared with other ESKD patients. Prospective study of these parameters is warranted to determine their utility in fracture risk prediction and management. Significance statement: Patients with ESKD and T1DM have an elevated fracture risk due to decreased bone strength. As an adjunct to BMD, evaluating dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry parameters that incorporate structural change may have greater value in patients with ESKD and T1DM than in the general population. In this study, patients with ESKD due to T1DM had lower BMD, lower trabecular bone scores, more severe loss of CT and higher BR than other patients with ESKD and people from the general population. Both lower CT and higher BR were associated with prevalent vertebral fractures in patients with T1DM and ESKD. Changes to these parameters should be evaluated for incident fracture prediction.

Improving Bone Mineral Density Screening by Using Digital X-Radiogrammetry Combined With Mammography.

Fracture risk evaluation of postmenopausal women is suboptimal, but most women undergo screening mammography. Digital X-radiogrammetry (DXR) determines bone mineral density (BMD) at the metacarpal shaft and can be performed on mammography equipment. This study examined correlations between DXR and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in women undergoing mammography, to identify optimal DXR thresholds for triage to osteoporosis screening by central DXA. Postmenopausal women over age 50 years, recruited from Westmead Hospital's Breast Cancer Institute, underwent mammography, DXR and DXA. Agreements were determined using the area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUC ROC) curve and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. Optimal DXR T-scores to exclude osteoporosis by DXA were determined using the Youden's method. Of 200 women aged 64 ± 7 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), 82% had been diagnosed with breast cancer and 37% reported prior fracture. DXA T-scores were ≤ -1 at the spine, hip or forearm in 77.5% and accorded with DXR T-scores in 77%. For DXR and DXA T-scores ≤ -2.5, the AUC ROC was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-0.94) at the 1/3 radius, and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.64-0.84) for hip or spine. DXR T-scores > -1.98 provided a negative predictive value of 94% (range, 88%, 98%) for osteoporosis by central DXA. In response to a questionnaire, radiography staff responded that DXR added 5 minutes to patient throughput with minimal workflow impact. In the mammography setting, triaging women with a screening DXR T-score < -1.98 for DXA evaluation would capture a significant proportion of at-risk women who may not otherwise be identified and improve current low rates of osteoporosis screening. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of the Effects of Phosphate-Lowering Agents in Nondialysis CKD.

BACKGROUND: Benefits of phosphate-lowering interventions on clinical outcomes in patients with CKD are unclear; systematic reviews have predominantly involved patients on dialysis. This study aimed to summarize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning benefits and risks of noncalcium-based phosphate-lowering treatment in nondialysis CKD. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of RCTs involving noncalcium-based phosphate-lowering therapy compared with placebo, calcium-based binders, or no study medication, in adults with CKD not on dialysis or post-transplant. RCTs had ≥3 months follow-up and outcomes included biomarkers of mineral metabolism, cardiovascular parameters, and adverse events. Outcomes were meta-analyzed using the Sidik-Jonkman method for random effects. Unstandardized mean differences were used as effect sizes for continuous outcomes with common measurement units and Hedge's g standardized mean differences (SMD) otherwise. Odds ratios were used for binary outcomes. Cochrane risk of bias and GRADE assessment determined the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: In total, 20 trials involving 2498 participants (median sample size 120, median follow-up 9 months) were eligible for inclusion. Overall, risk of bias was low. Compared with placebo, noncalcium-based phosphate binders reduced serum phosphate (12 trials, weighted mean difference -0.37; 95% CI, -0.58 to -0.15 mg/dl, low certainty evidence) and urinary phosphate excretion (eight trials, SMD -0.61; 95% CI, -0.90 to -0.31, low certainty evidence), but resulted in increased constipation (nine trials, log odds ratio [OR] 0.93; 95% CI, 0.02 to 1.83, low certainty evidence) and greater vascular calcification score (three trials, SMD, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.77, very low certainty evidence). Data for effects of phosphate-lowering therapy on cardiovascular events (log OR, 0.51; 95% CI, -0.51 to 1.17) and death were scant. CONCLUSIONS: Noncalcium-based phosphate-lowering therapy reduced serum phosphate and urinary phosphate excretion, but there was an unclear effect on clinical outcomes and intermediate cardiovascular end points. Adequately powered RCTs are required to evaluate benefits and risks of phosphate-lowering therapy on patient-centered outcomes.

Relationship Between Dietary Phosphate Intake and Biomarkers of Bone and Mineral Metabolism in Australian Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Higher serum phosphate is associated with increased adverse outcomes including cardiovascular disease. Abnormalities of bone and mineral metabolism in chronic kidney disease (CKD), including higher serum phosphate, are important risk factors for increased cardiovascular disease. Associations between dietary phosphate intake and biochemical and cardiovascular parameters in non-dialysis CKD patients, however, have not been adequately studied. This study aimed to explore associations between phosphate intake and biomarkers of bone and mineral metabolism and intermediate cardiovascular markers in adults with stage 3-4 CKD. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-two participants enrolled in the IMpact of Phosphate Reduction On Vascular End-points in Chronic Kidney Disease trial were invited to participate in this sub-study. At baseline, dietary phosphate intake and its source (animal, plant, or a mixture of animal and plant) were determined using a 7-day self-administered diet food record, and measurements were made of serum and urinary phosphate, serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, fibroblast growth factor-23, and the intermediate cardiovascular markers pulse wave velocity (PWV) and abdominal aortic calcification. The relationships between dietary phosphate intake and these bone metabolism and cardiovascular markers were explored using Pearson's correlation and linear regression. The effect of source of phosphate intake was analyzed using compositional data analysis. RESULTS: Ninety participants (age 64 ± 12 years, 68% male, estimated glomerular filtration rate 26.6 ± 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, daily phosphate intake 1,544 ± 347 mg) completed the study. Correlations among dietary phosphate intake and biochemical measures, PWV, and abdominal aortic calcification ranged from r = -0.13 to r = +0.13. Linear regression showed no association between dietary phosphate measurements and biochemical or cardiovascular parameters. Source of phosphate intake was associated with PWV (P = .01), but not with other biomarkers of bone and mineral metabolism. Higher PWV values were associated with higher intake of plant-based relative to animal-based phosphate (1.058 [1.020-1.098], P = .003). CONCLUSION: Levels of total dietary phosphate intake measured by dietary food record show no statistically significant relationship with biochemical markers of bone and mineral metabolism or intermediate cardiovascular markers. Higher PWV levels associated with higher intake of plant-based relative to animal-based phosphate intake were an unexpected finding and further research is needed in this area.

Importance of bone turnover for therapeutic decisions in patients with CKD-MBD.

Patients with chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) frequently have low bone formation rates. A recent review suggested that adynamic bone disease is not always associated with negative outcomes and therefore antiresorptive medications could be used more often. However, there is currently no evidence to support an improvement in fracture risk or mortality in patients with CKD-MBD and low bone turnover who are treated with antiresorptive medication. There is reasonable pathophysiological evidence suggesting that it may even be harmful.

A review and perspective on the assessment, management and prevention of fragility fractures in patients with osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease.

This article aims to review the methods used for the assessment of fracture risk and the use of osteoporosis medications for fracture prevention in the population with CKD, and highlights the difficulties faced by clinicians in the management of these patients and the latest recommendations and guidelines. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and osteoporosis often co-exist in older adults, and they present a major healthcare challenge. CKD mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) occurs as renal function declines and this syndrome affects most patients in CKD stages 4 and 5. The biochemical abnormalities of CKD-MBD, renal bone disease and risk factors associated with age-related bone loss and osteoporosis lead to a cumulative effect on fracture risk and mortality. There is a need for routine evaluation of fracture risk and fracture prevention in this population. Measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) and the use of the FRAX tool have predictive value for incident fractures in the general population and in CKD. This enables physicians to identify CKD patients most at risk of sustaining a fragility fracture and allows a more targeted approach to fracture prevention. Data analysis from the pivotal trials of therapeutic agents used in osteoporosis show that these drugs can be considered in mild and moderate CKD (stages 1-3 CKD). Off-label drug use in patients with CKD-MBD and more severe renal impairment (CKD stages 4 and 5) could offer significant benefits to sub-groups of patients when carefully tailored to each individual's bone turnover and calcium and phosphate balance. However, this requires a selective approach and treatment decisions based on inference from pathophysiology while we await further trials. Guidelines advocate the correction and/or reduction of the biochemical abnormalities of CKD-MBD before initiation of treatment with osteoporosis drugs and close monitoring during treatment.

The Use of Imaging Techniques in Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorders (CKD-MBD)-A Systematic Review.

Although frequently silent, mineral and bone disease (MBD) is one of the most precocious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is omnipresent in patients with CKD stage 5. Its pathophysiology is complex, but basically, disturbances in vitamin D, phosphate, and calcium metabolism lead to a diverse range of clinical manifestations with secondary hyperparathyroidism usually being the most frequent. With the decline in renal function, CKD-MBD may induce microstructural changes in bone, vascular system and soft tissues, which results in macrostructural lesions, such as low bone mineral density (BMD) resulting in skeletal fractures, vascular and soft tissue calcifications. Moreover, low BMD, fractures, and vascular calcifications are linked with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. Therefore, a better characterization of CKD-MBD patterns, beyond biochemical markers, is helpful to adapt therapies and monitor strategies as used in the general population. An in-depth characterization of bone health is required, which includes an evaluation of cortical and trabecular bone structure and density and the degree of bone remodeling through bone biomarkers. Standard radiological imaging is generally used for the diagnosis of fracture or pseudo-fractures, vascular calcifications and other features of CKD-MBD. However, bone fractures can also be diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and vertebral fracture assessment (VFA). Fracture risk can be predicted by bone densitometry using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), quantitative computed tomography (QTC) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQTC), quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and most recently magnetic resonance micro-imaging. Quantitative methods to assess bone consistency and strength complete the study and adjust the clinical management when integrated with clinical factors. The aim of this review is to provide a brief and comprehensive update of imaging techniques available for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and monitoring of CKD-MBD.

Dietary Phosphate Consumption in Australians With Stages 3b and 4 Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary phosphate modification is a common therapy to treat hyperphosphatemia in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, current dietary intake and common food sources of phosphate typically consumed by individuals with CKD are not well characterized. This study examined a cohort of CKD patients to determine total dietary intake and common food sources of phosphate, including phosphate additives. DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants with CKD stages 3b and 4 recruited to a substudy of the "IMPROVE-CKD (IMpact of Phosphate Reduction On Vascular End-points in Chronic Kidney Disease) Study" completed a 7-day self-administered diet record at baseline. Diet histories were analyzed and daily phosphate intakes determined using FoodWorks V.9 (Xyris). The proportion of phosphate contributed by each food group was determined using the AUSNUT 2011-2013 Food Classification System. Ingredient lists of packaged food items consumed were reviewed to determine frequency of phosphate-based additives. RESULTS: Ninety participants (mean eGFR 26.5 mL/min/1.73 m2) completed this substudy. Mean phosphate intake of participants was 1544 ± 347 mg/day, with 96% of individuals exceeding the recommended daily intake of phosphate (1000 mg/day). The highest sources of dietary phosphate were milk-based products (25%) and meat and poultry products/dishes (25%). Phosphate-based food additives were identified in 39% (n = 331/845) of packaged foods consumed by participants. CONCLUSION: Dietary phosphate intakes of Australians with CKD are high and come from a variety of sources. Managing dietary phosphate intake requires a patient-centered, tailored approach with an emphasis on maintaining nutritional adequacy and awareness of phosphate additives.

The Australian Calciphylaxis Registry: reporting clinical features and outcomes of patients with calciphylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a rare disease, predominantly affecting patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to progressive cutaneous calcification, necrotic ulceration and infection. Clinical registries have been established to better understand the risk factors, optimal treatments and disease outcomes of calciphylaxis. METHODS: We established a prospective, Internet-based clinical registry for the online notification of calciphylaxis cases in Australia. Seven institutions participated, with data recorded on patient characteristics, biochemical parameters, treatments and disease outcomes. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2019, 47 cases of calciphylaxis were registered. The mean patient age was 66 ± 11 years and body mass index was 35 ± 9 kg/m2, with a higher proportion of females (51%). Eighty-seven percent of patients had end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), with 61% on hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration, with a median dialysis vintage of 4.8 [interquartile range (IQR) 1.7-7.4)] years. Five patients had CKD not requiring dialysis and two were kidney transplant recipients. Diabetes was present in 76% of patients and the cause of ESKD in 60%; 34% received vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) before diagnosis. The median parathyroid hormone level at diagnosis was 32 (IQR 14-50) pmol/L. The most common site of calciphylaxis was the lower limbs (63%), with 19% of patients having more than one area involved. Ten patients (22%) had a resolution of calciphylaxis and 25 died, with 50% mortality at a median of 1.6 (IQR 0.2-2.5) years from diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The Australian Calciphylaxis Registry highlights risk factors for calciphylaxis, including diabetes, obesity and VKA use. Resolution of calciphylaxis is uncommon despite multimodal therapy and mortality from calciphylaxis in the first year following diagnosis remains high.

Patients with end-stage kidney disease have markedly abnormal cortical hip parameters by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) have higher fracture rates and post-fracture mortality than the general population, but bone mineral density by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is less predictive of fracture in this patient group. Bone biopsy and high-resolution imaging indicate that cortical thickness (CT) is reduced and cortical porosity is increased in ESKD. The aim of this study was to assess cortical parameters using DXA in patients with ESKD. It was hypothesized that these parameters would show deterioration and be associated with fracture. METHODS: Using advanced hip analysis, normal age-related ranges were determined from 752 female and 861 male femur scans and were compared with scans of 226 patients with ESKD at the time of transplantation. RESULTS: Compared with controls, female patients had lower mean±SD CT (mms) at the femoral neck (FN) (2.59 ± 1.42 versus 5.23 ± 1.85), calcar (3.46 ± 1.07 versus 5.09 ± 1.30) and shaft (4.42 ± 1.21 versus 7.44 ± 2.07; P < 0.001 for each), and buckling ratios were higher (8.21 ± 4.6 versus 3.63 ± 1.42; P < 0.001), indicating greater FN instability. All findings were similar for men. Prevalent fracture was documented in 28.8% of patients; 12.4% vertebral only, 8.4% non-vertebral only and 8% vertebral plus non-vertebral. In adjusted models, each 1 SD reduction in FN CT and increase in the buckling ratio was associated with a respective 1.73 (1.22-2.46)- and 1.82 (1.49-2.86)-fold increase in the risk of prevalent vertebral fracture. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ESKD, DXA-derived cortical parameters are markedly abnormal compared with age- and sex-matched controls. These parameters should be assessed for incident fracture prediction and targeting treatment.

Changes to bone mineral density, the trabecular bone score and hip structural analysis following parathyroidectomy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Reduction in bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) occurs in secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease. BMD generally increases following parathyroidectomy, however longitudinal changes to other DXA-derived parameters, the trabecular bone score (TBS) and hip structural analysis (HSA), have not been described. Postoperative calcium requirements and positive calcium balance raise concerns for an increased risk of vascular calcification. This case illustrates the dramatic increase in BMD that can follow parathyroidectomy in a patient on dialysis, and for the first time demonstrates improvements to HSA parameters and to the TBS. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year old woman on haemodialysis underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism. She developed a post-operative 'hungry bone syndrome' requiring substantial calcium and calcitriol supplementation. Six months post-parathyroidectomy, BMD increased by 42% at the lumbar spine, 30% at the femoral neck and 25% at the total proximal femur, with increases sustained over the following 18 months. The TBS increased by 8%. HSA showed a 63% increase in femoral neck cortical thickness and 38% reduction in the buckling ratio, consistent with increased femoral neck stability. The abdominal aortic vascular calcification score (0-24) increased from zero 8-years pre-parathyroidectomy to 2/24 at 18-months post-parathyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: BMD losses incurred by secondary hyperparathyroidism recover rapidly after parathyroidectomy, particularly at sites of trabecular bone. Bone architectural parameters, measured as the TBS and by HSA, also improve. Greater BMD gains may be associated with higher post-operative calcium requirements. While bone is the major reservoir for post-parathyroidectomy calcium supplementation, positive calcium balance may contribute to vascular calcification risk.

Radiographic absorptiometry: a step in solving the CKD fracture puzzle.

Patients on dialysis are highly prone to fracture, and radiographic absorptiometry can be used to measure their bone mineral density and assess fracture risk. However, to determine its place in management, radiographic absorptiometry should be compared with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and with fracture risk assessment tools such as FRAX, tests of muscle strength, biomarkers, and newer dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry techniques. The convenience, accessibility, and cost of radiographic absorptiometry may contribute to its utility in a number of clinical settings.

A Randomized Trial on the Effect of Phosphate Reduction on Vascular End Points in CKD (IMPROVE-CKD).

BACKGROUND: Hyperphosphatemia is associated with increased fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), arterial calcification, and cardiovascular mortality. Effects of phosphate-lowering medication on vascular calcification and arterial stiffness in CKD remain uncertain. METHODS: To assess the effects of non-calcium-based phosphate binders on intermediate cardiovascular markers, we conducted a multicenter, double-blind trial, randomizing 278 participants with stage 3b or 4 CKD and serum phosphate >1.00 mmol/L (3.10 mg/dl) to 500 mg lanthanum carbonate or matched placebo thrice daily for 96 weeks. We analyzed the primary outcome, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, using a linear mixed effects model for repeated measures. Secondary outcomes included abdominal aortic calcification and serum and urine markers of mineral metabolism. RESULTS: A total of 138 participants received lanthanum and 140 received placebo (mean age 63.1 years; 69% male, 64% White). Mean eGFR was 26.6 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 45% of participants had diabetes and 32% had cardiovascular disease. Mean serum phosphate was 1.25 mmol/L (3.87 mg/dl), mean pulse wave velocity was 10.8 m/s, and 81.3% had abdominal aortic calcification at baseline. At 96 weeks, pulse wave velocity did not differ significantly between groups, nor did abdominal aortic calcification, serum phosphate, parathyroid hormone, FGF23, and 24-hour urinary phosphate. Serious adverse events occurred in 63 (46%) participants prescribed lanthanum and 66 (47%) prescribed placebo. Although recruitment to target was not achieved, additional analysis suggested this was unlikely to have significantly affected the principle findings. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stage 3b/4 CKD, treatment with lanthanum over 96 weeks did not affect arterial stiffness or aortic calcification compared with placebo. These findings do not support the role of intestinal phosphate binders to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with CKD who have normophosphatemia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12610000650099.