Do we need new phosphate binders in dialysis?

Abstract

Patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a greater risk of mortality than the general population. Fatal cardiovascular events are the most frequent cause of death in CKD patients, especially in the late stages of disease. Derangement of mineral metabolism and hyperphosphataemia are currently accepted as pivotal triggers of these vascular complications. Phosphate binders represent the common strategy to counteract hyperphosphataemia in dialysis patients. Several studies have reported a reduction in mortality risk in dialysis patients receiving phosphate binders compared with untreated patients, independent of the class of binder prescribed.