Calcium in dialysate averts hemodialysis complication
Early data suggest the additional calcium could eliminate need for surgery in correcting secondary hyperthyroidism and renal osteodystrophy in patients who undergo long-term hemodialysis
If the early results of a Mayo Clinic study hold true, surgery may no longer be necessary for correction of secondary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy occurring during long-term hemodialysis.
Quite possibly, these conditions may be treated in the future by increasing the amount of calcium in the dialysate bath by 1 or 2 mg/100 ml and by using aluminum hydroxide gel to reduce plasma phosphate levels to normal.
These would be simple procedures indeed compared with subtotal parathyroidectomy or even— in less severe cases—the administration of large amounts of vitamin D, supplemental calcium and phosphorus-binding agents, procedures used by most physicians up to now.
These startling findings stem from a simple observation, Ralph S. Goldsmith, MD, told the Central Society
. . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]
