[Pathologic calcification in patients with chronic kidney failure].

Abstract

Pathologic, extraskeletal calcifications are frequently seen in chronic renal failure patients. According to pathogenesis, they can be classified to dystrophic and metastatic, and according to localization to visceral and non-visceral. As to physicochemical composition, two major types have been characterized: hydroxyapatite and amorphous calcium magnesium phosphate. The pathogenesis is not completely understood. Today, there are convincing data showing that calcification is an active, regulated process rather than a passive accumulation of calcium and phosphate. Control of calcium, phosphate and parathormone level, correction of metabolic acidosis and adequate dialysis are important in the prevention and treatment of pathologic calcification.