Parathyroid gland enlargement may delay the response of secondary hyperparathyroidism to cinacalcet, Japanese researchers reported in Nephron Clinical Practice (2009; published online ahead of print).

Elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels are associated with higher serum uric acid levels in the U.S. adult population, investigators reported at ASN's Renal Week 2009.

Participation in a specialty pharmacy improved control of secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients, researchers reported at ASN's Renal Week 2009.

Cinacalcet therapy is safe and effective for treating persistent hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation, British researchers reported at ASN's Renal Week 2009. The medication is not associated with allograft dysfunction or significant adverse effects.

Obesity in CKD patients is associated with increased parathyroid hormone levels independent of estimated glomerular filtration rate, according to a study presented at ASN's Renal Week 2009.

Among patients with stages III-IV CKD, African-American race is associated with a decreased parathyroid hormone response to oral calcitriol, according to a study presented at ASN's Renal Week 2009.

Loop diuretics increase the risk of secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD patients, but concurrent use of thiazide diuretics attenuate that risk, data suggest according to a study that was presented at ASN's Renal Week 2009.

Cinacalcet showed long-term efficacy in reducing serum parathyroid hormone and calcium levels in renal transplant patients with refractory tertiary hyperparathyroidism, according to a study presented at ASN's Renal Week 2009.

Nutritional vitamin D deficiency is widespread among hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, and few receive nutritional vitamin D supplementation, according to a study presented at Renal Week 2009.

Intact parathyroid hormone levels higher than 50 pg/mL in patients with stage 3 or 4 CKD are associated with an increased risk of death or the need for renal replacement therapy, data show according to a study presented at ASN's Renal Week 2009.