A single-center experience of parathyroidectomy in 1500 cases for secondary hyperparathyroidism: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. With the deterioration of renal function, a certain proportion of CKD patients enter the uremic stage, and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) becomes a challenge. For refractory hyperparathyroidism, parathyroidectomy (PTX) plays a key role in reducing mortality and improving prognosis. Nevertheless, no consensus has been reached on the optimal surgical method. We aimed to provide evidence for the effectiveness of surgical treatment by summarizing the experience from our center. METHODS: Clinical data from 1500 patients undergoing parathyroidectomy were recorded, which included 1419 patients in a total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation (tPTX) group, 54 patients in a total parathyroidectomy plus autotransplantation (tPTX + AT) group, and 27 patients in the other group. Perioperative basic data, intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) levels, serum calcium levels, serum phosphorus levels, pathological reports, coexisting thyroid diseases, short-term outcomes and complications were analyzed. Moreover, postoperative complications were compared between the tPTX and tPTX + AT groups. RESULTS: Parathyroid hormone, serum calcium and phosphorus levels decreased significantly post-surgery. Two patients died during the perioperative period. As the two most common complications, the incidences of severe hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia were 36.20% (543 cases) and 24.60% (369 cases), respectively. Pre-iPTH levels (OR = 1.001, 95% CI: 1.001-1.001, p < 0.01), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (OR = 1.002, 95% CI: 1.001-1.002, p < 0.01) and the mass of excised parathyroid gland (OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.24-7.55, p = 0.02) were positively associated with postoperative severe hypocalcemia, while age and serum calcium were negatively associated with it. Pathological reports of resected parathyroid and thyroid glands indicated that 96.49% had parathyroid nodular hyperplasia, 13.45% had thyroid nodular hyperplasia, and 4.08% had thyroid papillary carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroidectomy is a safe and effective treatment for refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism. Severe hypocalcemia is the main complication, and coexistent thyroid diseases should never be neglected.

Current treatment options for secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with stage 3 to 4 chronic kidney disease and vitamin D deficiency.

Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) represents a complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Vitamin D system is altered since early CKD, and vitamin D deficiency is an established trigger of SHPT. Although untreated SHPT may degenerate into tertiary hyperparathyroidism with detrimental consequences in advanced CKD, best treatments for counteracting SHPT from stage 3 CKD are still debated. Enthusiasm on prescription of vitamin D receptor activators (VDRA) in non-dialysis renal patients, has been mitigated by the risk of low bone turnover and positive calcium-phosphate balance. Nutritional vitamin D is now suggested as first-line therapy to treat SHPT with low 25(OH)D insufficiency. However, no high-grade evidence supports the best choice between ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, and calcifediol (in its immediate or extended-release formulation).Areas covered: The review discusses available data on safety and efficacy of nutritional vitamin D, VDRA and nutritional therapy in replenishing 25(OH)D deficiency and counteracting SHPT in non-dialysis CKD patients.Expert opinion: Best treatment for low 25(OH)D and SHPT remains unknown, due to incomplete understanding of the best homeostatic, as mutable, adaptation of mineral metabolism to CKD progression. Nutritional vitamin D and nutritional therapy appear safest interventions, whenever contextualized with single-patient characteristics. VDRA should be restricted to uncontrolled SHPT by first-line therapy.

Recent advances in understanding and managing secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a complex pathology that develops as chronic kidney disease progresses. The retention of phosphorus and the reductions in calcium and vitamin D levels stimulate the synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone as well as the proliferation rate of parathyroid cells. Parathyroid growth is initially diffuse but it becomes nodular as the disease progresses, making the gland less susceptible to be inhibited. Although the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of secondary hyperparathyroidism are well known, new evidence has shed light on unknown aspects of the deregulation of parathyroid function. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is an important feature of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder and plays an important role in the development of bone disease and vascular calcification. Thus, part of the management of chronic kidney disease relies on maintaining acceptable levels of mineral metabolism parameters in an attempt to slow down or prevent the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Here, we will also review the latest evidence regarding several aspects of the clinical and surgical management of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: Pathogenesis and Latest Treatment.

The classic pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) began with the trade-off hypothesis based on parathyroid hormone hypersecretion brought about by renal failure resulting from a physiological response to correct metabolic disorder of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. In dialysis patients with failed renal function, physiological mineral balance control by parathyroid hormone through the kidney fails and hyperparathyroidism progresses. In this process, many significant genetic findings have been established. Abnormalities of Ca-sensing receptor and vitamin D receptor are associated with the pathogenesis of SHPT, and fibroblast growth factor 23 has also been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis. Vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) are widely used for treatment of SHPT. However, VDRAs have calcemic and phosphatemic effects that limit their use to a subset of patients, and calcimimetics have been developed as alternative drugs for SHPT. Hyperphosphatemia also affects progression of SHPT, and control of hyperphosphatemia is, therefore, thought to be fundamental for control of SHPT. Currently, a combination of a VDRA and a calcimimetic is recognized as the optimal strategy for SHPT, and for other outcomes such as reduced cardiovascular disease and improved survival. The latest findings on the pathogenesis and treatment of SHPT are summarized in this review.

Personalized Management of Bone and Mineral Disorders and Precision Medicine in End-Stage Kidney Disease.

Chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is common in end-stage renal disease and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Mainstays of treatment include decreasing serum phosphorus level toward the normal range with dietary interventions and phosphate binders and treating increased parathyroid hormone levels with activated vitamin D and/or calcimimetics. There is significant variation in serum levels of mineral metabolism markers, intestinal absorption of phosphorus, and therapeutic response among individual patients and subgroups of patients with end-stage renal disease. This variation may be partly explained by polymorphisms in genes associated with calcium and phosphorus homeostasis such as the calcium-sensing receptor gene, the vitamin D-binding receptor gene, and genes associated with vascular calcification. In this review, we discuss how personalized medicine may be used for the management of CKD-MBD and how it ultimately may lead to improved clinical outcomes. Although genetic variants may seem attractive targets to tailor CKD-MBD therapy, complete understanding of how these polymorphisms function and their clinical utility and applicability to personalized medicine need to be determined.

Efficacy and safety of paricalcitol in children with stages 3 to 5 chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Elevated intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels can contribute to morbidity and mortality in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of oral paricalcitol in reducing iPTH levels in children with stages 3-5 CKD. METHODS: Children aged 10-16 years with stages 3-5 CKD were enrolled in two phase 3 studies. The stage 3/4 CKD study characterized paricalcitol pharmacokinetics and compared the efficacy and safety of paricalcitol with placebo followed by an open-label period. The stage 5 CKD study evaluated the efficacy and safety of paricalcitol (no comparator) in children with stage 5 CKD undergoing dialysis. RESULTS: In the stage 3/4 CKD study, mean peak plasma concentration and area under the time curve from zero to infinity were 0.13 ng/mL and 2.87 ng•h/((or ng×h/))mL, respectively, for 12 children who received 3 µg paricalcitol. Thirty-six children were randomized to paricalcitol or placebo; 27.8% of the paricalcitol group achieved two consecutive iPTH reductions of ≥30% from baseline versus none of the placebo group (P = 0.045). Adverse events were higher in children who received placebo than in those administered paricalcitol during the double-blind treatment (88.9 vs. 38.9%; P = 0.005). In the stage 5 CKD study, eight children (61.5%) had two consecutive iPTH reductions of ≥30% from baseline, and five (38.5%) had two consecutive iPTH values of between 150 and 300 pg/mL. Clinically meaningful hypercalcemia occurred in 21% of children. CONCLUSIONS: Oral paricalcitol in children aged 10-16 years with stages 3-5 CKD reduced iPTH levels and the treatment was well tolerated. Results support an initiating dose of 1 µg paricalcitol 3 times weekly in children aged 10-16 years.

[Effects of auricular plaster therapy on quality of life in uremia patients after parathyroidectomy plus autograft].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of auricular plaster therapy on quality of life in uremia patients after parathyroidectomy plus autograft (PTX+AT). METHODS: A total of 34 uremia patients complicated with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) who received PTX+AT were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 17 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were treated with calcium supplementation after surgery, 1 to 2 mg/kg an hour; one day after surgery, the patients were treated with oral administration of calcium carbonate before meals, 1.5 g, three times per day, and calcitriol (0.5 to 4 µg/d) was added if necessary. None-heparin hemodialysis was performed for one week after surgery. Besides calcium supplementation, patients in the observation group were treated with auricular plaster therapy at Shenmen (TF4), Jiaogan (AH6a), Neifenmi (CO18) and Shen (CO10). The laboratory indexes, including immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium, phosphorus, and SF-36 questionnaire, including 8 dimensions of physical function (PF), role-physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), social function (SF), role-emotional (RE) and emotional well-being (EB), were observed before surgery and 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after surgery in the two groups. RESULTS: The iPTH in the two groups was significantly decreased 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after surgery, and the serum calcium and phosphorus were also improved to a certain degree (all P<0.05); however, the differences of iPTH, calcium and phosphorus between the two groups were not significant at each time point after surgery (all P>0.05).The PF, RP, BP, GH, VT, SF, RE and EB of SF-36 in the two groups before surgery were lower than the normal score; after surgery, each dimension of SF-36 were improved to some extent in the two groups (all P<0.05). Eight weeks after surgery, the improvement of PF, RP, BP, GH and EB in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (all P<0.05); however, in terms of VT, SF and RE, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The auricular plaster therapy can improve the physical and mental health, relieve pain and improve quality of life in patients with uremia after PTX+AT, which is superior to calcium carbonate alone.

Efficacy of microwave ablation for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism in subjects undergoing hemodialysis.

Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a serious problem in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA), a minimally invasive treatment, for severe SHPT are as yet unclear. To clarify the role of MWA, we administered it to patients with severe SHPT and assessed its efficacy and safety. This was a prospective, single-center, single-arm, clinical trial. We enrolled patients with severe SHPT attending our hemodialysis center who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We then assessed primary outcome measures (serum concentrations of intact parathyroid hormone) and secondary outcome measures (serum concentrations of calcium and phosphorus). Twenty-six patients were enrolled in this study, 10 of whom (38.46%) were responsive to MWA and 16 (61.54%) of whom were not. The main complication was hypocalcemia (10 cases, 38.46%), which had occurred in all cases by one week after administration of MWA. Responding patients with hypocalcemia all achieved normal serum calcium concentrations within seven months and non-responding patients within three months. There were no changes in serum phosphorus concentrations after MWA in either responders or non-responders. Microwave ablation is relatively ineffective in patients with severe SHPT undergoing maintaining hemodialysis and should not be the initial therapy in such cases.

Efficacy of Ablation Therapy for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism by Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Thermoablation.

The objective of this study was to explore the value of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave thermoablation to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). One hundred and thirty-eight parathyroid glands from 56 patients with SHPT were ablated in this study. All the parathyroid glands were evaluated by real-time contrast-enhanced ultrasound before, during and after ablation. Changes in serum parathyroid hormone (sPTH) levels were measured before treatment and at 1 h, 1 wk, 1 mo and 6 mo after thermoablation treatment. All 56 cases had a 1-mo follow-up, and 34 cases had a 6-mo follow-up. The sPTH level of the 54 cases 1 mo after ablation was significantly lower than that before (p < 0.05). In the 34 cases that had a 6-mo follow-up, the sPTH levels were also significantly lower at 6 mo after ablation than before (p < 0.05). Bone pain in patients improved post-operatively (p < 0.05), but itchiness and insomnia did not improve (p > 0.05). Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave thermoablation is a feasible and effective non-surgical alternative treatment for SHPT patients.

Changes in secondary hyperparathyroidism-related biochemical parameters and medication use following parathyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphorous levels after parathyroidectomy in hemodialysis patients. We studied the effects of parathyroidectomy on these biochemical values in a large cohort of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients identified in both the United States Renal Data System and the database of a large dialysis organization who underwent parathyroidectomy in 2007-09, were aged ≥ 18 years, had Medicare Parts A and B as primary payer and had received hemodialysis for ≥ 1 year pre-parathyroidectomy. Descriptive statistics were calculated for continuous variables; categorical variables were used to characterize the population and evaluate monthly laboratory and medication use; median values were calculated for laboratory measures. RESULTS: Among 1402 parathyroidectomy patients, mean age was 48.9 years, 52.4% were males, 58.8% were African American and mean dialysis duration was 7.5 years. Median PTH levels increased over the year before parathyroidectomy from 1039 to 1661 pg/mL and decreased afterward to 98 pg/mL at 1 month; levels remained ≥ 897 pg/mL for 10% of patients. Median calcium levels fell from 9.6 mg/dL before to 7.9 mg/dL 1 month after parathyroidectomy; levels were ≤ 7.1 mg/dL for 25% and remained ≤ 7.2 mg/dL for the lowest 25% at 3 months. Median phosphorous level was 6.8 mg/dL immediately before parathyroidectomy, decreased to 3.8 mg/dL immediately after and reached 5.8 mg/dL at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: While PTH levels dropped after parathyroidectomy for most patients, surgery was sometimes ineffective in reducing levels and sometimes led to over-suppression. Hypocalcemia could be profound and long lasting, suggesting the need for prolonged vigilance.

Recent changes in therapeutic approaches and association with outcomes among patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism on chronic hemodialysis: the DOPPS study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Elevated parathyroid hormone levels may be associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients on dialysis. After the introduction of practice guidelines suggesting higher parathyroid hormone targets than those previously recommended, changes in parathyroid hormone levels and treatment regimens over time have not been well documented. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: Using data from the international Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study, trends in parathyroid hormone levels and secondary hyperparathyroidism therapies over the past 15 years and the associations between parathyroid hormone and clinical outcomes are reported; 35,655 participants from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study phases 1-4 (1996-2011) were included. RESULTS: Median parathyroid hormone increased from phase 1 to phase 4 in all regions except for Japan, where it remained stable. Prescriptions of intravenous vitamin D analogs and cinacalcet increased and parathyroidectomy rates decreased in all regions over time. Compared with 150-300 pg/ml, in adjusted models, all-cause mortality risk was higher for parathyroid hormone=301-450 (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.18) and >600 pg/ml (hazard ratio, 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 1.34). Parathyroid hormone >600 pg/ml was also associated with higher risk of cardiovascular mortality as well as all-cause and cardiovascular hospitalizations. In a subgroup analysis of 5387 patients not receiving vitamin D analogs or cinacalcet and with no prior parathyroidectomy, very low parathyroid hormone (<50 pg/ml) was associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.51). CONCLUSIONS: In a large international sample of patients on hemodialysis, parathyroid hormone levels increased in most countries, and secondary hyperparathyroidism treatments changed over time. Very low and very high parathyroid hormone levels were associated with adverse outcomes. In the absence of definitive evidence in support of a specific parathyroid hormone target, there is an urgent need for additional research to inform clinical practice.

Parathyroid enlargement at dialysis initiation in patients with chronic kidney diseases.

The kidney chiefly maintains homeostasis of water, electrolytes, and other solutions. When kidney function is reduced, mineral metabolism is disrupted. Mineral and bone disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease associates with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality; however, management of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder in predialysis patients remains controversial. This study investigates the association between parathyroid enlargement at dialysis initiation and hyperparathyroidism management in dialysis patients. We enrolled 72 patients at dialysis initiation in this study. Using parathyroid sonography, we categorized patients based on presence (detected group; N = 18) or absence (undetected group; N = 54) of enlarged parathyroid glands and assessed the clinical characteristics and laboratory findings. A literature review of ultrasound evaluations of secondary hyperparathyroidism was conducted. Ultrasonography revealed enlarged parathyroid glands in 18 patients (25%). Serum intact parathyroid hormone levels were high in patients with enlarged parathyroid glands; however, of the 29 patients with intact parathyroid hormone levels <240 pg/mL, four had enlarged parathyroid glands. Eight of the 29 patients with serum phosphorus and calcium levels within the optimal range had enlarged parathyroid glands. Twenty of these 29 patients were followed up at 38 ± 17 months (at least 3 months): enlarged parathyroid glands were detected in 6. During follow-up, serum intact parathyroid hormone levels were significantly higher in the detected group compared with the undetected. In conclusion, enlarged parathyroid glands are frequently detected at dialysis initiation, potentially predicting the persistence of secondary hyperparathyroidism and the need for strict management.

The efficacy of cinacalcet combined with conventional therapy on bone and mineral metabolism in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism: a meta-analysis.

Cinacalcet, the first calcimimetic to be approved for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in the chronic kidney disease patients, offers a novel therapeutic approach to SHPT. The aim of this meta-analysis is to access the efficacy and safety of cinacalcet on bone and mineral metabolism disorders in the dialysis patients with SHPT. Randomized controlled trials on cinacalcet combined with vitamin D and/or phosphate binders in the dialysis patients with SHPT were identified in Pubmed, Sciencedirect, and the Cochrane library. Data were analyzed with RevMan software. We compared the proportion of patients achieving the biochemical targets recommended by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines and the incidence of adverse events between the cinacalcet and control groups. Six trials involving 2,548 patients were included. A greater proportion of patients in the cinacalcet group compared with the conventional group achieved the KDOQI targets. The relative risks (RRs) were parathyroid hormone (PTH) (RR = 3.51, 95 % CI: 2.38-5.17), calcium (RR = 2.04, 95 % CI: 1.76-2.37), phosphorus (RR = 1.15, 95 % CI: 0.83-1.60), and calcium-phosphorus product (Ca × P) (RR = 1.41, 95 % CI: 1.18-1.69), the number of patients simultaneously achieving the KDOQI targets for PTH + Ca × P was also greater (RR = 3.89, 95 % CI: 2.36-6.41), with p < 0.001 for each. The most common adverse events were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypocalcemia, which had a higher incidence in the cinacalcet group, but were usually mild to moderate in severity and transient. Compared with conventional therapy, treatment with cinacalcet results in more patients achieving KDOQI targets and offers an effective and safety therapeutic option for controlling mineral and bone disorders in the dialysis patients with SHPT.

[Diagnostics and treatment of primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism].

The experience of treatment of 41 patients (aged 32-67 years) was presented in the article. The duration of disease was 2-5 years. Primary hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed in 16 patients and secondary--in 25. Diagnostics of the disease included clinical methods of treatment; studying levels of general and ionized calcium, phosphorus, parathormone; an ultrasound of thyroid and parathyroid glands, the substratum scintigraphy. All patients were undergone the operation. Adenomas of parathyroid glands were removed in the case of primary hyperparathyroidism including mini-access. Hyperplastic parathyroid glands (31/2) were disposed in the case of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Good immediate and long-term results were obtained.

Ultrasound in clinical setting of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is one of the most common and serious complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). In sHPT, the biology of parathyroid cells changes significantly toward diffuse and nodular hyperplasia. Diagnosis and treatment of sHPT are based on intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) serum levels and on the parameters of mineral metabolism. The morphological diagnosis of sHPT relies on 2 complementary imaging techniques: high-resolution ultrasonography with color Doppler imaging (US/CD) and 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy. The main objective of this review is to stimulate nephrologists to use US/CD of the parathyroid glands during the progression of CKD in order to aid clinical, pharmacological and surgical strategies. The primary role of US/CD in sHPT should be to integrate the clinical diagnosis by defining the number and volume of hyperplastic glands, although the international guidelines do not state when and why to perform US/CD. This review also evaluates the role of US/CD in clinical follow-up and assessment of therapeutic response of sHPT, and it highlights how US/CD can evaluate the effect of therapy with phosphate binders, vitamin D or its analogues and calcimimetics, which are changing the natural history of sHPT and the frequency of parathyroidectomy. Evaluation of the morphological and vascular changes of hyperplastic parathyroids is useful to guide percutaneous ethanol injection therapy and to support clinical, pharmacological and surgical strategies. Epidemiological studies are needed to establish how US/CD could change the management of sHPT and why it should be repeated in patients with high levels of serum i-PTH.

Feasibility of screening for and treating vitamin D deficiency in forensic psychiatric inpatients.

Neuroleptic and anti-epileptic medication, inadequate vitamin D intake and limited solar exposure increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency in high security psychiatric environments. Of the 33 inpatients (40% selected; 21% of hospital population) completing this cross-sectional study, 36% had insufficient and 58% deficient vitamin D. Five patients with vitamin D deficiency had secondary hyperparathyroidism, two of whom had osteopenia on dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry. At 1-year follow up, of the 31 patients eligible, 15 had accepted and continued supplements. Systematic screening is therefore necessary due to mental health and consent issues. Implications of supplementation and grounds access are discussed.

High-intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU) treatment in uraemic secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: The recently developed non-invasive high-intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU) technique for the destruction of parathyroid adenomas could also be of interest for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a pilot study using this method. METHODS: Five chronic haemodialysis patients with severe SHP underwent one to three HIFU treatments, respectively. They had at least one or two enlarged parathyroid glands, which were accessible to this technique. RESULTS: In Patients 1-I and 5-V, serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) could be successfully reduced in the long run. In Patient 3-N, serum iPTH decreased dramatically down to the normal range but increased again subsequently. In Patients 2-E and 4-D, transient reductions in serum iPTH were also obtained but HIFU failed to correct SHP during follow-up. Serum total calcium and phosphorus decreased in four among the five patients, either transiently or permanently. Serum total alkaline phosphatases were reduced in four of five patients. Side effects included local oedema, transient impairment of vocal cord mobility and bitonal voice. CONCLUSIONS: HIFU treatment may be of help in controlling SHP in selected patients with CKD. Further experience is clearly needed.

[How to manage mineral metabolism disorders in renal failure]. / Comment je traite les troubles phosphocalciques en cas d'insuffisance rénale chronique.

Mineral metabolism abnormalities are frequently observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The bone and cardiovascular consequences should lead to the implementation of some adapted strategies for the prevention and treatment on the basis of the physiopathology of the disease and international recommendations. Biological bone markers such as serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are necessary to classify bone diseases without the need for bone biopsy. Elevated levels of bone markers are detected in cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), whereas decreased levels are observed in cases of adynamic bone disease (ABD). Bone mineral density, however, is not useful for the diagnosis. Vitamin D supplementation and reducing hyperphosphataemia by dietary phosphate-intake restriction, phosphate binders, and dialysis, are the main steps for the prevention of SHPT. Calcitriol analogs and calcimimetics should be used in second line in cases of SHPT. For the treatment of ABD, excess use of calcium salts and calcitriol analogs need to be avoided. Managing these therapies adequately can help maintain the main biological values (i.e. serum PTH, calcium, phosphorus, and ALP) within their recommended ranges.

Prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients: the key role of native vitamin D supplementation.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a frequent complication in chronic kidney disease, especially in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Treatments for SHPT include calcitriol analogues (CA), phosphate binders, cinacalcet (CC), and surgical parathyroidectomy (PTX). This study aimed to assess the incidence and prevalence of SHPT in a single center during the period when native vitamin D (N-VitD) supplementation and CC treatment became available. All incident and prevalent HD patients were prospectively recorded and compared using 3 periods from 2004 to 2005 (period 1), 2006 to 2007 (period 2), and 2008 to 2009 (period 3). SHPT was diagnosed with serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels >300 pg/mL or the need for CA, CC, or PTX. Between periods 1 and 3, in incident patients (n=120 and 101), N-VitD prescription increased from 11% to 68% (P<0.0001), CA prescription remained stable (40%), and patients with PTH>300 pg/mL decreased from 40% to 12% (P<0.0001). In prevalent HD patients (n=235), N-VitD treatment increased from 55% to 91% (P<0.0001), whereas treatment with CA decreased from 67% to 17% (P<0.0001). Patients with serum PTH>300 pg/mL decreased from 38% to 13% (P<0.001), whereas patients with PTH<150 pg/mL remained stable (<30%). New CC prescriptions decreased from 45 to 3 (P<0.0001). Since 2004, SHPT has decreased drastically in incident and prevalent HD patients. The preventive role of N-VitD supplementation appears to be obvious and represents one more argument for its general recommendation in CKD patients.