Calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder: is there a need to adjust peritoneal dialysate calcium concentrations for patients using CaCO3?

The widespread use of calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder is limited by its tendency to develop hypercalcemia in some patients using effective dosages needed to control hyperphosphatemia. Most common continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) regimens using dialysis solutions containing 3.5 mEq/L of calcium result in net absorption of calcium from the dialysis solution and, hence limit the amount of oral calcium that can be administered. Peritoneal dialysis solutions with reduced calcium levels are needed for effective use of CaCO3 to control hyperphosphatemia in some dialysis patients.