SHPT Highly Prevalent Among Diabetic Nephropathy Patients

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is common among patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN), a new study found.

Of 437 DN patients, 374 (85.6%) had intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels above 65 pg/mL, Mahmoud Hamada Imam, MD, and colleagues of Benha University in Egypt, reported. Compared with patients who had normal iPTH, patients with SHPT displayed worse kidney function. Lab results showed a significantly lower urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR, 2.38 vs 3.11 mg/g) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, 49.15 vs 90.97 mL/min/1.73m²), as well as significantly higher serum urea (77.54 vs 23.70 mg/dL). The patients with SHPT also had lower levels of vitamin D and serum calcium. On further analyses, the team found strong associations between iPTH and serum creatinine, eGFR, UACR, and vitamin D levels.

Imam MH, Elshourbagy AW, Mohamady A, and Sarhan R. Prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism among patients with diabetic nephropathy. Presented at Kidney Week 2017 in New Orleans (Oct. 31-Nov. 5). Abstract FR-PO481.