Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy
03:57

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Published on: July 14, 2023

Long-term treatment with cinacalcet and conventional therapy reduces parathyroid hyperplasia in severe secondary

Mario Meola1, Ilaria Petrucci, Giuliano Barsotti

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, S Anna School of Advanced Studies, Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, University of Pisa, Italy. mmeola@int.med.unipi.it

Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation : Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
|February 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cinacalcet effectively reduced parathyroid gland volume in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT). This treatment also improved key biochemical markers and clinical symptoms, particularly in smaller glands.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is a common complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
  • Severe, inadequately controlled sHPT poses significant health risks.
  • Hyperplastic parathyroid glands are a hallmark of sHPT.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of cinacalcet on the structural and vascular patterns of hyperplastic parathyroid glands.
  • To assess cinacalcet's impact on biochemical parameters and clinical scores in sHPT patients.
  • To determine if gland size influences treatment response.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized high-resolution color Doppler (CD) sonography to assess parathyroid gland morphology and vascularity.
  • Monitored nine hemodialysis patients with severe sHPT over 24-30 months.
  • Measured biochemical parameters, glandular volume, and clinical scores at baseline and every six months.

Main Results:

  • Cinacalcet significantly reduced parathyroid gland volume, with greater reduction observed in smaller glands (68% vs. 54%).
  • Significant decreases in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase levels were observed.
  • Improvements in subjective clinical scores were noted, alongside non-significant trends for reduced phosphorus and calcium.

Conclusions:

  • Cinacalcet, combined with standard therapies, improves biochemical and clinical outcomes in severe sHPT.
  • Significant parathyroid gland volume reduction is achievable with cinacalcet treatment.
  • Further large-scale randomized trials are warranted to confirm findings and refine sHPT management strategies.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care01:29

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care

The management of chronic pancreatitis is multifaceted, involving a comprehensive approach that includes thorough assessment, diagnostic testing, and a variety of management strategies.
Assessment:
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers01:26

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers

Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are two critical categories of drugs employed in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). PAH is a disease that causes high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, resulting in chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin00:51

Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin

Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management01:26

Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management

Medical treatment strategies for peptic ulcers encompass various methods. The primary goal of treatment is to diminish gastric acidity and strengthen mucosal defense mechanisms.
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.