Effect of alfacalcidol on anemia in renal failure patients

Abstract EN

Background : Anemia is a major feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Additionally, secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) has been associated with anemia in uremic patients.

Administration of active vitamin D metabolites like alfacalcidol is established for PTH suppression and may also play a role in hematopoiesis.

Aim : To investigate the effect of alfacalcidol on anemia and SHPT with end stage renal failure patients underwent hemodialysis.

Subjects and Methods : In the present study 17 anemic patients over 15years, with serum level of PTH greater than 500pg / ml.

The study was carried out by means of data collection and analysis of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels in these patients.

Results : Low serum PTH levels were detected in uremic patients treated with alfacalcidol.

Also, in these patients, Hb levels increased.

Serum PTH and Hb levels were inversely correlated.

Conclusions : High-dose alfacalcidol can decrease serum PTH levels and elevate Hb level in uremic patients showing considerable resistance to Epoetin.