Nephrocalcinosis caused by hyperparathyroidism in progression of renal failure: treatment with calcitriol.

Nephrocalcinosis is accepted to contribute to the progression of renal failure. We have reviewed evidence that nephrocalcinosis is caused directly by the excess parathyroid hormone produced in renal disease. Evidence that hyperparathyroidism in uremic patients results from calcitriol deficiency and the mechanisms by which this comes about have been discussed. We have shown that renal secondary hyperparathyroidism can be eliminated or substantially reduced without increasing blood calcium using a low-dosage regimen of calcitriol. Decreasing PTH concentrations to or near normal alleviates this hormone's toxicity to many organs, including the kidneys. Potential benefits for the uremic patient include an increase in the quality and length of life. Calcitriol treatment provides a powerful means to reduce PTH concentration in uremic patients that may not be achieved with other methods. Further prospective clinical studies of uremic dogs and cats are warranted to document preservation of renal function and histology during calcitriol treatments.