Hyperphosphatemia in dialysis patients: the therapeutic role of lanthanum carbonate

Phosphate overload is a dramatic consequence in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Recent studies have well documented that abnormalities in mineral and bone metabolism in these patients are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Elevated serum phosphate and calcium-phosphate product levels play an important role in the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism and extra-skeletal calcification in dialysis patients. Furthermore, inorganic phosphate may cause vascular calcification directly through a real ""ossification"" of the tunica media in the vasculature of ESRD patients. The ""classical"" treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism and hyperphosphatemia in ESRD patients consists of either calcium- or aluminum-based phosphate binders and calcitriol administration. Unfortunately, this ""old generation"" therapy is not free of complications. This review paper suggests that new calcium- and aluminum-free phosphate binders, such as lanthanum carbonate, can be used to treat hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism in ESRD patients.