Practical use of parenteral calcimimetics for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. A case report

Abstract

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) leads to bone disorders and cardiovascular complications in long-term dialysis patients. SHPT is caused by hyperphosphatemia. Abnormalities of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) are associated with the pathogenesis of SHPT. Clinical trials have shown that calcimimetics significantly reduce the risks of parathyroidectomy, bone fracture and cardiovascular hospitalization among long-term dialysis patients with SHPT. Etelcalcetide, a novel calcimimetic compound, acts as a direct CaSR agonist, restores the sensitivity of the CaSR in parathyroid cells, and decreases serum parathyroid hormone without inducing hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia. Etelcalcetide's properties allow it to be administered intravenously thrice weekly at the end of a hemodialysis treatment session improving medication adherence.