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Postoperative rhabdomyolysis in patients with end-stage renal failure.

Four patients with end-stage renal failure on intermittent hemodialysis in whom rhabdomyolysis developed after major surgery are described. This possibly underdiagnosed complication was manifested by extreme hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and elevated creatine phosphokinase levels. Serum myoglobin levels further supported the diagnosis. The metabolic abnormalities reached a peak on the fourth postoperative day. The possible precipitating factors included opiates used for anesthesia and postoperative pain control, anesthetic agents, and surgical position. The preferred treatment option is increasing dialysis to control hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia.

Adult↗

Intermittent doxercalciferol (1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(2)) therapy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia frequently necessitate vitamin D withdrawal in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. In short-term trials, doxercalciferol (1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D(2) [1alphaD(2)]) suppressed intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) effectively with minimal increases in serum calcium and phosphorus (P) levels. This modified, double-blinded, controlled trial examined the efficacy and safety of 1alphaD(2) use in 138 hemodialysis patients with moderate to severe secondary hyperparathyroidism by using novel dose titration; 99 patients completed the study. Hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism were enrolled onto this study, consisting of washout (8 weeks), open-label 1alphaD(2) treatment (16 weeks), and randomized, double-blinded treatment with 1alphaD(2) or placebo (8 weeks). Oral 1alphaD(2) was administered at each hemodialysis session, with doses titrated to achieve target iPTH levels of 150 to 300 pg/mL. Baseline iPTH levels (897 +/- 52 [SE] pg/mL) decreased by 20% +/- 3.4% by week 1 (P: < 0.001) and by 55% +/- 2.9% at week 16; iPTH levels returned to baseline during placebo treatment but remained suppressed with 1alphaD(2) treatment. In 80% of the patients, iPTH level decreased by 70%, reaching the target level in 83% of the patients. Grouping patients by entry iPTH level (<600, 600 to 1,200, and >1,200 pg/mL) showed rapid iPTH suppression in the group with the lowest level; greater doses and longer treatment were required in the group with the highest level. During open-label treatment, serum calcium and P levels were 9.2 +/- 0.84 (SD) to 9.7 +/- 1.05 mg/dL and 5.4 +/- 1.10 to 5.9 +/- 1.55 mg/dL, respectively. During double-blinded treatment, serum calcium levels were slightly greater with 1alphaD(2) than placebo, but P levels did not differ. During double-blinded treatment, 3.26% and 0.46% of serum calcium measurements exceeded 11.2 mg/dL with 1alphaD(2) and placebo, respectively (P: < 0.01); median level was 11.6 mg/dL during hypercalcemia. Intermittent oral 1alphaD(2) therapy effectively suppresses iPTH in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, with acceptable mild hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia.

Adult↗

Doqi guidelines for nutrition in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients: a dissenting view.

The DOQI guidelines recommend a dietary protein intake of 1.2 to 1.3 g/kg/d in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients. A quantitative analysis of the relationship between this high protein intake and phosphorus intake shows that this daily load of protein is likely to lead to hyperphosphatemia in anuric patients with borderline dialysate clearance. Currently available phosphorus binders are not efficient enough to offset completely the adverse effects of a phosphorus-rich diet. An inverse correlation has been shown between serum phosphorus and outcome among dialysis patients, probably mediated by an increase in the Ca x P product. Evidence, theoretic or experimental, that such a high protein intake is by itself beneficial to dialysis patients is lacking. Because high protein intake may increase the daily load of phosphorus and predispose to hyperphosphatemia, it may lead to harmful consequences, and it should be modified. Using the general recommendation for normal subjects plus the usual excessive nitrogen loss during peritoneal dialysis, between 0.9 and 1 g/kg/d most likely would be an appropriate protein intake without exposing the patient to excessive phosphorus load.

Humans↗

Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure: pathogenic and clinical aspects.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs early in the course of chronic renal failure. Early in the course, a deficit of calcitriol and an abnormality in the calcium sensor receptor may be the important factors; later, with advanced renal failure, hyperphosphatemia becomes an additional important pathogenic factor. Important clinical problems in dialysis patients are as follows: (1) hyperphosphatemia, which contributes to high morbidity and mortality of dialysis patients (a clinical approach to maintaining a normal serum phosphorus is essential and is discussed in this review); (2) a high calcium X phosphorus product leading to coronary artery calcifications (factors leading to calcifications are also discussed); and (3) calciphylaxis, which has been observed with increasing frequency in these patients (an increase in the total calcium load may be the most important pathogenic factor leading to this syndrome). Therapeutic considerations regarding the use of new vitamin D analogues devoid of a hypercalcemic and/or a hyperphosphatemic effect are also mentioned.

Animals↗

New therapies for uremic secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common and serious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It affects more than 300,000 end-stage renal disease patients treated by dialysis and probably more than 3 million patients with CKD worldwide. For a long time, traditional therapies for SHPT had consisted of correcting the hypocalcemia using calcium salts and vitamin D derivatives, preventing the hyperphosphatemia by calcium- or aluminum-containing intestinal phosphate binders, and recently by using no metal-containing intestinal phosphate binders; however, these therapies are limited by the occurrence of hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and the lack of specificity and long-term efficacy. Moreover, surgical parathyroidectomy (PTX), which remains the gold standard therapy, is not exempt from risk. PTX exposes patients to anesthesia risks, presurgical and postsurgical complications, and in many cases a permanent state of hypoparathyroidism. Thus, the medical treatment of SHPT became an ideal target for the development of new therapies and strategies. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of these new therapies, including vitamin D analogs, intestinal phosphate binders, calcimimetics, parathyroidectomies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, azydothymidine, anticalcineurins, N-terminal truncated parathyroid hormone fragments, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, osteoprotegerin, and others. The use of these new therapies alone or in combination may help to optimize the future treatment of SHPT in CKD patients.

Acidosis↗

Surgical management of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Most patients with renal failure maintained on chronic dialysis have elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and PTH-mediated bone disease (secondary hyperparathyroidism [sHPT]). Elevated PTH production in this setting represents a progressive, exaggerated physiologic response to hypocalcemia by the parathyroid glands, and generalized growth of the parathyroids is an adaptive response to chronic stimulation. Effective medical strategies to reduce PTH secretion and PTH-mediated bone turnover in sHPT (eg, controlling hyperphosphatemia, normalizing serum calcium, and administering vitamin D analogs) has decreased the need for parathyroidectomy in recent years. However, failure of medical therapy because of inadequate treatment, persistent hyperphosphatemia, or acquired parathyroid neoplasia still leads to recommendations for parathyroidectomy in select patients. Furthermore, increased awareness of potential long-term, irreversible cardiovascular effects of uncorrected hyperparathyroidism has led some to advocate parathyroidectomy earlier in the course of this disease. This monograph will review parathyroidectomy for secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder↗

Meta-analysis of the effect of sevelamer on phosphorus, calcium, PTH, and serum lipids in dialysis patients.

Hyperphosphatemia and dyslipidemia are common clinically significant conditions in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Hyperphosphatemia management is essential; however, use of calcium-based phosphate binder has been associated with elevated risk of cardiac calcification in ESRD, increasing risks for cardiovascular disease and death. An alternative to calcium-based phosphate binders is sevelamer hydrochloride, a calcium-free, metal-free, nonabsorbed polymer that binds phosphate effectively. We conducted a meta-analysis on the effects of sevelamer hydrochloride on parameters of mineral metabolism (serum phosphorous, calcium, Ca x P, and iPTH) and the lipid profile (total, LDL, HDL, and non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) in dialysis patients. After application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 17 core studies were statistically analyzed to determine the sevelamer treatment effect on the study parameters as demonstrated by simple, n-weighted, and inverse variance-weighted mean changes. Analysis of inverse variance-weighted mean changes indicated that sevelamer treatment was associated with a 2.14 mg/dL drop in serum phosphorus (P <.001), no significant overall effect on calcium (0.09 mg/dL, P =.364), significant decline in Ca x P product (15.91 mg(2)/dL(2), P <.001), 35.99 pg/mL reduction in iPTH (P =.026), significant reduction in total cholesterol (30.58 mg/dL, P <.001), 31.38 mg/dL drop in LDL cholesterol (P <.001), significant increase in HDL cholesterol (4.09 mg/dL, P =.008), and a significant reduction in triglycerides (22.04 mg/dL, P x.001). This meta-analysis suggests that sevelamer offers a dual therapeutic benefit in dialysis patients-a population at high risk for cardiovascular disease-by improving phosphorus control and the lipid profile, without altering serum calcium.

Calcium↗

A controlled trial of intermittent enteral nutrient supplementation in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: This controlled trial was undertaken to evaluate the benefits of short-term enteral nutrient supplementation in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients using a high-calorie and high-protein blend formula (low-cost home-prepared [HP] blend or a commercially available supplement) and to study its effect on selected parameters of nutritional status. The acceptability and palatability of the HP blend formula, ease of use, and cost were also assessed in comparison with the commercial nutritional supplement (CNS). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Hemodialysis (HD) unit of a tertiary referral care hospital in Southern India. PATIENTS: Nondiabetic adult MHD patients with no intercurrent illness, on regular thrice weekly MHD for at least 1 month before recruitment, with a body mass index (BMI) <20 and a serum albumin level of <4.0 g/dL. Patients were randomized into control group and experimental group, the latter in turn to recieve either CNS or HP blend. INTERVENTION: The control group received appropriate monitoring, including dietary recall and counselling for the prescribed diet (protein intake of 1.2 g/kgIBW/d and energy of 35 to 45 kcal/kgIBW/d) but no specific post-HD supplement. Patients in the supplement group received the respective supplement post-HD (providing 500 kcal and 15 g protein) for 1 month in addition to the monitored diet prescription. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Nutritional status parameters, BMI and serum albumin; (2) functional status on a 10-point Karnofsky scale; (3) adverse metabolic effects, hyperphosphatemia at start and end of study; and (4) subjective scoring for appetite, and acceptability of and tolerance to supplement. RESULTS: Both groups showed an improvement in dry weight and BMI. In addition, the supplement group showed a significant increase in serum albumin level and functional scoring. Mild hyperphosphatemia occurred in the supplement group. An increase in baseline food intake was seen in the control group, but not in the supplemented group. No intolerance was reported to either supplement. CONCLUSION: Enteral nutrient supplementation was shown to bring about a significant improvement in serum albumin level even in a short-term study. Use of an HP supplement was beneficial, acceptable, and inexpensive.

Adult↗

Renal osteodystrophy in chronic renal failure.

Bone disease develops relatively early in the development of chronic renal failure. Much of what is known about the evaluation and management of renal osteodystrophy in chronic renal failure is based on knowledge obtained in the dialysis population. The classic bone lesion found in the dialysis population is osteitis fibrosa, the high turnover lesion of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Clearly, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and calcitriol deficiency play major roles in the development and maintenance of the high turnover disease. Interestingly, in both the dialysis and nondialysis patients, the incidence of adynamic bone disease, a low turnover lesion, is increasing. It is postulated that the aggressive use of calcium-containing phosphate binders and the use of calcitriol and other vitamin D analogs to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism may contribute to this shift in bone lesions. Treatment in the nondialysis kidney disease patient remains aggressive correction of hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. The use of calcitriol and other agents to maintain serum calcium and to suppress elevated parathyroid hormone remains well supported. However, the increase in extraskeletal calcifications and incidence of adynamic bone disease in these patients raises concern about current management techniques.

Calcitriol↗

Effect of sodium fluoride administration to rats on bone phosphorous content and phosphatemia.

Fluoride (F) has a known mitogenic effect on bone cells. The daily administration of 40 micromol NaF per 100 g of body weight (bw) increases bone mass in rats. Nevertheless, the quality and composition of bone formed under F stimulus is still matter of study. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF, CAS 7681-49-4) administration on phosphate metabolism and its impact on bone. Experiments were carried out in female fasted 50-day-old rats. Unless otherwise stated, NaF dose was 40 micromol NaF/day . 100 g bw, administered by gastric tube. Four groups of 4 rats each were given the following daily NaF doses: Group A: 0, B: 20, C: 40 and D: 60 micromol NaF/day x 100 g bw. After 30 days rats were killed saving their femora and plasma. Bone phosphorous contents (BPC) and phosphatemia (mg/dl) were measured. BPC decreased significantly as a function of NaF dose. A: 93.3+/-14.1; B: 78.7+/-15.5; C: 61.1+/-14.7**; D: 59.6+/-8.6 **mg P/g dry bone (** significant difference to group A, p < 0.01). Phosphatemia (mg/dl) increased significantly with a peak at 90 min after NaF dose (basal: 5.34+/-0.06; 90 min: 8.15 +/-0.43, p < 0.001). Phosphaturia (microg/min) increased though differences were not significant (basal: 46.7+/-42.8; 4 h: 1275 +/-757, p > 0.05). In thyroparathyroidectomized rats, plasma phosphate increased continuously for at least 240 min. Renal plasmatic flow, glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow were not affected by NaF treatment. In isolated perfused rat kidneys, urinary phosphate excretion remained unaffected after NaF administration. Phosphate concentration was measured in the plasma and erythrocytes of rats after one dose of NaF (n = 8). Phosphate content of erythrocyte was not affected by NaF, in spite of the concurrent increase in phosphatemia. It is concluded that the treatment with NaF causes a transitory increase in plasma phosphate levels. Neither renal hemodynamic factors nor the inhibitory effect on parathormone actions appear to be the causes of hyperphosphatemia. Efflux of phosphate from cells might not be the cause of the increase in phosphatemia. The loss of phosphorous from bone appears as the most probable determinant of hyperphosphatemia after fluoride administration.

Animals↗

The pathophysiology of altered calcium metabolism in rhabdomyolysis-induced acute renal failure. Interactions of parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.

We studied six oliguric patients with rhabdomyolysis-induced acute renal failure. On admission, all had marked hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia associated with low levels of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D]. During the early polyuric phase, moderate hypercalcemia was accompanied by marked elevations in plasma 1,25(OH)2D and persistent elevations in parathyroid hormone (both amino and carboxy terminals). During the late polyuric phase, the levels of serum calcium and 1,25(OH)2D reverted to normal. Thus, in rhabdomyolysis-induced acute renal failure, the hypocalcemia of the oliguric phase may be secondary to decreased synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D; severe hyperphosphatemia may also have a major role. The hypercalcemia of the polyuric phase may be partly due to increased synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D, resulting from the high parathyroid hormone levels and recovery of renal function.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing dialysis.

Phosphate binders that contain aluminum are frequently prescribed to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic renal failure, but an accumulation of aluminum can lead to osteomalacia. To evaluate the efficacy of calcium carbonate as an alternative phosphate binder, we studied 20 patients maintained on dialysis during three consecutive periods. In period 1, the patients took aluminum hydroxide for a month (mean dose, 5.6 g per day; range, 1.5 to 14.0). In period 2, they took no phosphate binders for a month, and in period 3, they took calcium carbonate (Os-Cal) for two months (mean dose, 8.5 g per day; range, 2.5 to 17). The mean (+/- SE) serum calcium level during period 1 was 9.6 +/- 0.2 mg per deciliter; this decreased slightly (to 9.3 +/- 0.1) during period 2 and increased to 10.0 +/- 0.2 during period 3. The mean (+/- SE) serum phosphorus level during period 1 was 4.8 +/- 0.1 mg per deciliter; this increased to 7.3 +/- 0.3 during period 2, but returned to the control value (4.8 +/- 0.2) during period 3. Six of the 20 patients continued to need aluminum hydroxide during period 3 for satisfactory control of hyperphosphatemia. Calcium carbonate successfully lowered serum phosphorus levels and raised serum calcium levels in the majority of our patients, thereby confirming that this agent may be a satisfactory substitute for traditional phosphate binders that contain aluminum. The possibility that long-term treatment could cause such side effects as metastatic calcification will require further investigation.

Adult↗

Aluminum accumulation during treatment with aluminum hydroxide and dialysis in children and young adults with chronic renal disease.

BACKGROUND: The control of hyperphosphatemia is a major clinical problem in patients with chronic renal failure receiving regular dialysis treatment. Despite continuing concern about aluminum toxicity, aluminum-containing antacids are still used in many of these patients as phosphate-binding agents. Although maximal acceptable doses of aluminum hydroxide have been recommended, the safety and efficacy of these guidelines have not been evaluated. METHODS: Seventeen children and young adults (mean [+/- SD] age, 14.1 +/- 3.7 years) undergoing regular peritoneal dialysis were randomly assigned to treatment with either aluminum hydroxide (n = 7; maximal dose, 30 mg per kilogram of body weight per day) or calcium carbonate (n = 10; dose range, 2.5 to 12 g per day, according to serum phosphorus levels). Aluminum retention was assessed by serial measurements of plasma aluminum, deferoxamine-infusion tests, and measurements of bone aluminum content during a mean (+/- SD) follow-up of 13 +/- 2 months. The evolution of bone disease was also evaluated. RESULTS: Plasma aluminum levels and the increment in plasma aluminum after infusion of deferoxamine increased from base-line values in the patients treated with aluminum hydroxide, and aluminum-related bone disease developed in one patient. Serum phosphorus levels remained higher and serum calcium levels lower in the patients receiving aluminum hydroxide than in those receiving calcium carbonate. The skeletal lesions of secondary hyperparathyroidism improved in 7 of 10 patients receiving calcium carbonate but persisted or progressed in 6 of 7 patients given aluminum hydroxide (P less than 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Aluminum hydroxide is less effective than calcium carbonate as a phosphate-binding agent for the control of hyperphosphatemia and is associated with aluminum retention in children and young adults with chronic renal failure who are receiving dialysis therapy.

Adolescent↗

Severe refeeding hypophosphatemia in a CAPD patient: a case report.

Refeeding syndrome is defined as severe electrolyte and fluid shifts associated with metabolic abnormalities in malnourished, refeeding patients. Hypophosphatemia is its predominant concern, though its occurrence is unusual in uremic patients due to the concomitant hyperphosphatemia. This case study reports a 56-year-old woman on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy who was admitted for peritonitis. Ileus and diarrhea developed during admission; enteral feeding was given initially and then shifted to total parenteral nutrition (TPN) because of poor digestion. A lower concentration of phosphate was administered in the TPN formula initially due to high initial serum phosphate level. However, severe hypophosphatemia (0.3 mg/dL) developed on the second day after TPN supplementation. Continuous intravenous phosphate (total 6 mmol of phosphate) was supplied immediately. Unfortunately, the sudden onset of conscious loss and cardiac arrest happened on the third day of TPN. It should be emphasized that severe refeeding hypophosphatemia can also develop early in uremic patients with hyperphosphatemia.

Enteral Nutrition↗

A comparison of sevelamer hydrochloride with calcium acetate on biomarkers of bone turnover in hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of sevelamer hydrochloride and calcium acetate on biomarkers of bone turnover in patients with hyperphosphatemia receiving hemodialysis. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label, randomized, active-controlled study, 70 patients (38 men and 32 women) with hyperphosphatemia (serum phosphorus level >6.0 mg/dL) underwent a two-week washout period and were randomly selected to receive sevelamer hydrochloride (n = 37) or calcium acetate (n = 33) for eight weeks. Changes in serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P), phosphorus, and calcium were measured and compared. RESULTS: After eight weeks of treatment, calcium acetate lowered iPTH levels significantly more than sevelamer hydrochloride did (-178.0 vs. -69.0 pg/mL, p = 0.0019). Levels of Alk-P were significantly elevated in patients given sevelamer hydrochloride compared with levels in those given calcium acetate treatment (24.09 vs. 7.45 U/L, p = 0.0014). Changes in serum phosphorus levels did not differ between sevelamer hydrochloride (-1.93 mg/dL) and calcium acetate (-2.5 mg/dL) at the end of the study (p = 0.0514). Changes in the calcium and phosphorous product did not significantly differ between the sevelamer-hydrochloride group (-18.06 mg2/dL2) and the calcium-acetate group (-19.05 mg2/dL2, p = 0.6764). Fifteen patients (45.5%) treated with calcium acetate had hypercalcemia (serum-adjusted calcium level >10.5 mg/dL); the rate was significantly higher than that of patients treated with sevelamer (five [13.5%] of 37, p = 0.0039). CONCLUSION: Treatment with sevelamer hydrochloride had the advantage of maintaining stable iPTH levels and elevating Alk-P levels while lowering serum phosphorus levels and calcium-phosphorous product.

Acetates↗

Effect of varying dialysate bicarbonate concentration on serum phosphate.

Hyperphosphatemia is practically a universal problem in patients with chronic renal failure. Conventional treatment of hyperphosphatemia in this situation is either only partially effective or may be associated with potentially serious adverse effects. The authors examined the effect of inducing a metabolic alkalosis on serum phosphate in chronic hemodialysis patients by increasing the concentration of bicarbonate in dialysate. Seven patients participated in the study. Each patient was on dialysis for 2 weeks with each of 2 dialysate regimens. Regimen A contained a bicarbonate concentration of 25 mEq/L and Regimen B a bicarbonate concentration of 40 mEq/L. Despite Regimen B resulting in a significant increase in predialysis and postdialysis serum bicarbonate concentration and arterial pH, no significant difference in serum phosphate was demonstrated after 2 weeks of therapy.

Bicarbonates↗

Progression of macrovascular disease after transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease are major causes of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the natural history of carotid plaque and to determine risk factors for the progression of vascular disease in uremic, type 1 diabetic patients who received a combined kidney and pancreas transplant. METHODS: Carotid artery (n=765) and lower limb vascular duplex scanning (n=656) were prospectively undertaken in 82 recipients before transplantation, at 6 months, and then at annual intervals for up to 10 years. Plaque in the internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery, and common carotid artery was classified by type, location, extent, and degree of functional obstruction, and evaluated using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Carotid plaque was present in 22.5% of patients at initial scanning, but increased to 56.6% by 7-10 years after transplantation, especially in the ICA and common carotid artery. Both the severity and extent of plaque increased, and plaque became more complex and heterogeneous with time after transplantation (P<0.001). Carotid plaque was associated with older age, current cigarette smoking, hyperphosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia, duration of pretransplantation dialysis, and presence of lower limb plaque (P<0.05-0.001). The severity of carotid plaque increased in older, hypertensive recipients and was associated with metabolic acidosis and hyperphosphatemia (all P<0.05). Severity of ICA disease correlated with disease in the contralateral ICA (r=0.57, P<0.001) and femoral arteries (r=0.42, P<0.001). Paradoxically, each carotid artery progressed independently of the other. ICA disease severity progressed when heterogenous, calcified, or new plaque was present on scanning, and with reduced renal transplant function (P<0.01-0.001). The mean ICA blood flow remained stable with time but was progressively impaired by hypertension, fasting hyperglycemia, and a lower prednisolone dose (P<0.05). Cerebrovascular events occurred in only four patients and were unrelated to carotid disease, implying relative plaque stability. CONCLUSION: Extensive carotid vascular wall abnormalities increased significantly despite kidney and pancreas transplantation. Initiation of plaque was associated with systemic factors, whereas progression of established plaque was largely influenced by local factors within the arterial wall.

Adult↗

Control of serum phosphorus: implications for coronary artery calcification and calcific uremic arteriolopathy (calciphylaxis).

There is mounting evidence that elevated serum phosphorus is an important cardiovascular risk factor in patients with end stage renal disease. Recent work has shown that vascular smooth muscle cells have the ability to undergo osteoblastic differentiation and produce an environment conducive to mineralization. Serum phosphorus is an important stimulator of this process and the adverse cardiovascular effects of hyperphosphatemia are most likely mediated via its ability to enhance the development of vascular calcification. Arterial calcification, whether it is intimal or medial in location, is a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Both coronary artery calcification and calciphylaxis are prototypical examples of arterial calcification that have been associated with poor phosphate control. Furthermore, several investigators have recently suggested that the prescription of large doses of calcium to achieve phosphate control may augment, rather than diminish, the risk of vascular calcification. This is more likely to be true in the presence of low turnover bone disease, a diagnosis difficult to make with routine laboratory testing. A brief review of the molecular biology of vascular calcification supports the concept that warfarin administration may exacerbate the calcific process, particularly in the setting of hyperphosphatemia, as has been reported in patients with calciphylaxis. Recognizing the consequences of poor phosphate control, it is time to adopt strict target levels that aim to normalize serum phosphorus levels. The available evidence supports that this control should not be achieved through the use of supraphysiologic doses of supplemental calcium.

Arterioles↗