[Periaticular metastatic calcifications in uremic patients]

Metastatic periarticular calcification was observed in 18 per cent of a series of 61 patients receiving haemodialytic treatment for from 3 months to over 5 yr. Calcium deposits occurred more frequently in the 1st and 2nd yr of treatment. The factors responsible included the plasma calcium-phosphorus product, non-optimal calcium and magnesium ion concentration in the dialysis bath, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Tests for the diagnosis of parathyroid hyperfunction in the uraemic subject are described. The therapeutic criteria adopted in the prevention and management of calcification are also discussed.