Effect of calcitonin on bone lesions in chronic dialysis patients

The effects of synthetic salmon CT, administered subcutaneously and intermittently (1 MRC U/kg/day for 15 days/month over 6 months) were investigated in 15 uremic patients on regular dialysis treatment (RDT), all presenting various degrees of osteodystrophy. Clinically, osteoarticular pain disappeared in 8 out of 10 cases; 1 patient with rib fractures had a rapid calcification of the bone fracture repair tissue. No significant changes were found in serum calcium and PTH levels. Phosphotemia showed a significant decrease within the first 20 days. The varying individual hypophosphatemic response proved to be related to the initial level of phosphatemia. The alkaline phosphatase, when increased, showed a decrease to the normal range. A significant decrease in osteoclastic hyperactivity (active resorption surface, osteoclast index) and a slight increase in osteoblastic pool (active osteoid surface) were documented. No change was noted when osteomalacia predominated. Side effects included: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, face flushing. Our data suggest that salmon CT may be usefully employed in chronic uremic patients on RDT, when secondary hyperparathyroidism predominates.