Extended-release calcifediol in stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease: a new therapy for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with hypovitaminosis D

This article focuses on the position of extended-release calcifediol in the treatment of patients with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism with hypovitaminosis D. Several characteristics of extended-release calcifediol support its use in the intermediate stages of chronic kidney disease. The pharmacokinetics of extended-release calcifediol make it effective for replenishing 25-OH vitamin D levels, with minimal impact on vitamin D catabolism from fibroblast-growth factor-23 and CYP24A1 upregulation. Extended-release calcifediol increases circulating 25-OH vitamin D levels in a dose-dependent manner and lowers parathyroid hormone levels by a clinically relevant extent, comparable to what can be achieved by administering active vitamin D analogues, though with a lower risk of hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia. Active vitamin D analogues are reserved for patients undergoing dialysis or pre-dialysis patients with severe progressive secondary hyperparathyroidism.PMID:34626363 | DOI:10.1007/s40620-021-01152-5
Source: Journal of Nephrology - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Source Type: research