Elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis with hyperparathyroidism: increase of hemoglobin level after intravenous calcitriol.

In patients on chronic hemodialysis (CHD), hyperparathyroidism (HPTH) is associated with anemia and resistance to erythropoietin (EPO). In the last few years, calcitriol intravenously (IV) has been used with success in the treatment of the HPTH, secondary to chronic renal failure. However, the effects of calcitriol on the hematological parameters of these patients have never been well evaluated.

Elderly patients on chronic hemodialysis: effect of the secondary hyperparathyroidism on the hemoglobin level.

In patients on chronic hemodialysis (CHD) hyperparathyroidism (HPTH) is associated with anemia and resistance to erythropoietin (EPO). This study included 86 CHD elderly pts (mean age 74.8 y, mean time on CHD = 50.