Parathyroid Gland Size May Affect Cinacalcet Response

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).

In a study, clinically stable hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism resistant to conventional treatment received cinacalcet for six months.

In patients with glands smaller than 500 m³, all markers of bone metabolism and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) were significantly decreased after three months of cinacalcet treatment, whereas no significant changes in these parameters, except for intact PTH, were observed after three months in subjects with glands 500 mm³ or larger. After six months, all markers of bone metabolism were significantly decreased in both groups.

From the January 01, 2010 Issue of Renal and Urology News