Serum calcium and phosphorus levels in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: A multicentre study in Korea

BACKGROUND: In many countries, nephrologists follow clinical practice guidelines for mineral bone disorders to control secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) associated with abnormal serum calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). The Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) Guidelines have long been used in Korea, and this study was undertaken to investigate the current status of serum Ca and P control in MHD patients. METHODS: Data were collected from a total of 1,018 patients undergoing MHD without intercurrent illness, in 17 hemodialysis centers throughout the country. Serum levels of Ca, P, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured over 1 year, and the average values were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Serum levels of Ca, P, and the CaxP product were 9.1+/-0.7mg/dL, 5.3+/-1.4mg/dL, and 48.0+/-13.6mg2/dL2, respectively. However, the percentages of patients with Ca, P, and Ca x P product levels within the KDOQI guideline ranges were 58.7%, 51.0%, and 70.7%, respectively. Of the 1,018 patients, 270 (26.5%) had iPTH >300pg/mL (uncontrolled SHPT), whereas 435 patients (42.7%) showed iPTH <150pg/mL. Patients with uncontrolled SHPT had significantly higher values of serum Ca, P, and CaxP product than those with iPTH < or =300pg/mL. CONCLUSION: Despite the current clinical practice guidelines, SHPT seems to be inadequately controlled in many MHD patients. Uncontrolled SHPT was associated with higher levels of serum Ca, P, and Ca x P product, suggestive of the importance of SHPT management.

A Case of Sigmoid Volvulus Treated by Emergency Endoscopic Reduction and Surgical Colonic Resection / 대한소화기내시경학회지

An intestinal obstruction is a common cause of acute abdominal diseases which need emergency measures. Sigmoid volvulus is one of rare causes of colonic obstruction and occupies 2~3% of its causes in Korea. Volvulus requires a prompt diagnosis and decompression in order to prevent its progression to strangulation and gangrene. Although 90% of sigmoid volvulus can be diagnosed just by plain abdominal x-ray, computed tomography or barium enema can be done for more accurate diagnoses. For the successful treatment, accurate early examination, endoscopic reduction and surgical colonic resection are required. Endoscopic reduction has low mortality but is liable to recur, whereas emergency colonic resection has little recurrence rate but a high mortality. We experienced a case of a sigmoid volvulus in a 55-year-old male who companied of sudden abdominal pain. After diagnosed as sigmoid volvulus through plain abdominal x-ray and abdominal computed tomography, endoscopic reduction was done in the early period of development, and the sigmoid resection was performed after 7 days. We report our experience with a review of the literature regarding the diagnosis and treatment of sigmoid volvulus.