Evolution of secondary hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation in patients receiving cinacalcet on dialysis

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a relevant problem in patients undergoing dialysis, and cinacalcet hydrochloride seems to be the best option for controlling it. After kidney transplantation (KTx), moderate to severe SHPT may persist and cause hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, among other deleterious effects. The number of patients receiving cinacalcet before KTx is increasing.

To evaluate the evolution of calcemia, phosphatemia, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) after KTx in patients with SHPT receiving cinacalcet on dialysis.

The study included 19 patients (15 men and 4 women; mean [SD] age, 52 [13] years) undergoing dialysis and receiving cinacalcet before KTx. Mean duration of dialysis before KTx was 33 (25) months, and cinacalcet dose was 45 (15) mg/d. Creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and iPTH concentrations were evaluated at baseline (day of surgery), at 15 days after surgery, and then monthly for 6 months. In all patients, cinacalcet therapy was discontinued on the day of surgery.

After the first month post-KTx, mean (SD) serum creatinine concentration was 1.6 (0.4) mg/dL and remained stable during follow-up. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations were normal in 13 patients after KTx; however, in 6 patients, hypercalcemia (calcium concentration, 11 [1.3] mg/dL) or hypophosphatemia (phosphorus concentration, 1.7 [0.6] mg/dL) developed, with iPTH concentration of 557 (400) pg/mL and alkaline phosphatase concentration of 307 (114) IU/mL. Treatment with cinacalcet resulted in correction of calcium and phosphorus concentrations (10.1 [0.4] mg/dL and 1.7 [0.7] mg/dL, respectively). Patients in whom hypercalcemia or hypophosphatemia developed were receiving cinacalcet, 60 mg/d or more, during dialysis therapy. Patients who received cinacalcet, 30 mg/d, before KTx did not exhibit hypercalcemia or hypophosphatemia after KTx.

In patients with HPT undergoing dialysis and receiving cinacalcet, 60 mg/d or more, this drug therapy should be continued after KTx to avert development of hypercalcemia or hypophosphatemia.