The control of hyperphosphataemia in haemodialysis patients.

Patients with chronic uraemia develop various metabolic abnormalities, the most significant being the low production of vitamin D [1.25(OH)2D3] by the kidneys (1-3), hyperphosphataemia, and hypocalcaemia (4). These abnormalities, occurring usually in combination, are responsible for the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) (5-11). Prevention and treatment of secondary HPT can be achieved by means of administration of vitamin D and calcium. However, the above treatment is conditional on a low serum phosphorus concentration.