Achievement of recommended treatment targets for bone and mineral metabolism in haemodialysis patients using paricalcitol: An observational study

Abstract

Objective. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common problem among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on haemodialysis. This study was conducted to assess the use, effectiveness and safety of intravenous paricalcitol in haemodialysis patients with various degrees of SHPT. Material and methods. This observational, multicentre, prospective study was conducted in 14 Swedish dialysis centres from May 2007 to June 2008 and included 92 haemodialysis patients with a diagnosis of SHPT associated with CKD. The decision to initiate treatment with intravenous paricalcitol was made by the treating physician. No treatment algorithms were provided. Results. Mean patient age was 64 years. Of the 92 patients included, 74 had an intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level of >300 pg/ml at baseline. Median iPTH was 584 pg/ml in patients with a baseline PTH of >300 pg/ml. During follow-up there was a decrease in iPTH to 323 pg/ml at 6 months (–45%, p < 0.0001). In parallel, there was a small increase in serum calcium, but serum phosphorus and the calcium × phosphorus product remained unchanged. Conclusions. This study showed that intravenous paricalcitol substantially and safely decreased iPTH in haemodialysis patients with a baseline iPTH above the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative recommended target range (150–300 pg/ml) and had minimal impact on serum minerals.

Key Words::

• Dose titration
• paricalcitol
• SHPT

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Pharma Consulting Group, Uppsala, Sweden, for statistical analyses.

Declaration of interest: This study was sponsored by Abbott Scandinavia AB. Conflict of interest: AF has received honoraria and acted as an advisor for Abbott, Amgen, Genzyme and Swedish Orphan. JG is employed as a Medical Advisor at Abbott. BG has received honoraria and acted as an advisor for Abbott. BH has received honoraria and acted as an advisor for Abbott. GJ has received honoraria and acted as an advisor for Abbott, Amgen, Genzyme and Renapharma AB. AC has received honoraria and acted as an advisor for Abbott. BW has received honoraria and acted as an advisor for Abbott, Amgen, Genzyme and Toray. LW has acted as an advisor for Abbott and has received honoraria and been active in clinical trials for Abbott, Amgen, Genzyme, Roche and Novartis. UW has received honoraria and acted as an advisor for Abbott. SJ has received honoraria and acted as an advisor for Abbott, Amgen, Genzyme, Swedish Orphan and Roche.