The effects of calciferol and its metabolites on patients with chronic renal failure. II. Calcitriol, 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3, and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

The available data with regard to the use of calcitriol, 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha-OH D3), and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25-[OH]2D3) in the management of chronic renal insufficiency are reviewed. Patients with mild to moderate osteitis fibrosa experience substantial improvement with either calcitriol or 1 alpha-OH D3 therapy. However, few patients experience a reversal to normal in histologic characteristics of bone. The conditions of patients with osteomalacia do not respond to either calcitriol or 1 alpha-OH D3 therapy. The bone lesion appearing in these patients is most likely a toxic effect of aluminum. The prognosis is usually poor, but the conditions of some patients may respond to administration of 24,25-(OH)2D3 together with calcitriol. Preliminary data suggest that use of chelating agents may be beneficial. In this group of patients, 24,25-(OH)2D3 administration together with calcitriol may be beneficial.