[Evaluation of skeletal muscle function during calcitriol treatment in patients dialyzed for uremia]

The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether Rocaltrol therapy in uremic patients undergoing dialysis treatment can improve muscle function. In 8 uramic patients (2--on CAPD, 6-on HD treatment) calcitriol (Rocaltrol, Roche) was given in the dosis at 1 mcg/day during 15 months. At the beginning of therapy and every month the following parameters were determined in serum: creatinine (Cr), calcium (Ca), phosphate (PO4) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). At the beginning and at the end of treatment the quantitative electromyography (EMG) was performed. We observed a slight increase of serum Cr during 15 months of treatment in 4 patients. Serum Ca, PO4 and PTH did not changed significantly. The EMG revealed abnormal polyphasic motor nerve unit potentials of brief durations, decrease in the amplitude and fibrillations potentials. The EMG findings did not change after Rocaltrol therapy, but all patients on physical examinations exhibited disappearance of clinical manifestations of uremic myopathy. In conclusion, our findings suggest that vit. D deficiency is one of the causes of uremic myopathy and a careful treatment with Rocaltrol can diminish muscle weakness in uremic patients.