Calcimimetics: A new tool for management of hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy in patients with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Epidemiologic, clinical, and basic scientific studies led to an explosion in our understanding of disorders of mineral metabolism in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient. These advances are not always translated into improved care of renal osteodystrophy in CKD-5 patients. The introduction of a new class of drugs, calcimimetics, allows improved control of abnormal calcium/phosphorus metabolism. The calcimimetics compliment, rather than replace, current treatment options for secondary hyperparathyroidism in the chronic disease patient. © 2005 by the International Society of Nephrology.