[Use of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as phosphate binder in dialysis patients in long-term follow-up over 3 years].

In 26 dialysis patients (age 46 +/- 47.8 years, dialysis 20.1 +/- 57 months) calcium carbonate was introduced to phosphate reduction for 3 years. The use of CaCO3 (4.4-9 g/d) for 9 months did reduce the phosphate level from 2.51 to 1.51 mmol/l in 77% of the patients and increase the calcium from 2.23 to 2.47 mmol/l. The long-term use use up to 3 years did'nt reduce the phosphate level effectively (mean value 2.24 mmol/l). In 77% of the patients a progression and in 42% new calcifications could be observed. The percentage of patients with soft tissue calcification within the 3-year CaCO3 therapy was increased from 43% to 67%. Therefore, CaCO3 alone in unsuitable for long-term use as phosphate binder in dialysis patients.