[Clinical significance of disturbed calcium metabolism]

The authors present literature data on the role of Ca-P metabolism and its regulators in the development of bone and cardiovascular pathology, intrauterine development, organogenesis, cell growth and differentiation. A large number of agents are currently available to modify Ca-P metabolism. (calcium and vitamin Dpreparations, PTH, calcitonin, stimulators of Ca-sensitive receptors, calcitriol receptor ligands, etc.) although their application is hampered by the dificulty of laboratory control and the lack of basic knowledge. It is maintained that raising awareness among practitioners about these issues may improve diagnostics of Ca-P metabolic disorders (in the first place, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperthyroidism) and promote their medicamental and non-medicamental therapy.