Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure. Pathophysiology and treatment.

The secondary hyperparathyroidism of chronic renal failure is a result of many factors which result in chronic stimulation of parathyroid hormone secretion and secondary hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands. The secretion and metabolism of parathyroid hormone and its fragments in chronic renal failure are complex and only partially understood. Constant elevated levels of PTH contribute to bone disease and other clinical features of chronic renal failure. Calcium supplementation, high calcium dialysis, control of plasma phosphate and judicious use of the vitamin D metabolites can, to a large extent, prevent or control the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Subtotal parathyroidectomy or total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation is indicated in certain cases, sometimes on an emergency basis. Prevention of postoperative hypocalcemia requires careful management. Successful renal transplantation is usually associated with gradual healing of the bone disease and slow, but sometimes incomplete involution of the parathyroid hyperplasia.