Effect of Cinacalcet Combined with Calcitriol on the Clinical Outcome and Bone Metabolism in Patients on Hemodialysis with Severe Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical outcome and the effect of bone metabolism of cinacalcet combined with calcitriol in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). METHODS: Thirty MHD patients with SHPT were enrolled into the study. All patients were given cinacalcet 25-75 mg and 0.5 μg calcitriol daily. Serum Ca, P, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and bone metabolic markers were measured. The clinical symptoms and their changes were investigated. RESULTS: The baseline levels of iPTH, Ca, and P were 1,787.3 ± 1,321 pg/mL, 2.54 ± 0.19 mmol/L, and 2.06 ± 0.15 mmol/L respectively. After 3 months treatment, iPTH decreased by 70%. Serum Ca and P fell to 2.39 ± 0.17 and 1.56 ± 0.50 mmol/L (p < 0.05), respectively. After 6 months, the bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and β-cross levels were decreased by 50, 37, and 49% respectively compared with corresponding values before treatment. A decline in the bone density patients was inhibited. CONCLUSION: Cinacalcet combined with low dose calcitriol can improve high calcium, high phosphorus, and high iPTH in MHD patients with severe SHPT and also improve bone metabolism. It can be used as a favorable choice for SHPT treatment.