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CKD-MBD diagnosis: biochemical abnormalities

1. General Recommendations

1.1 The dosing methods, type of analyzed sample (blood or plasma), and sample collection and handling protocols should be considered when interpreting laboratory test results (Evidence).

1.2 Monitoring of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone and 25OH vitamin D [25(OH)D] in chronic kidney disease (CKD) should be started from stage 3a (Evidence).

1.3 The dosing frequency should be established according to the CKD stage and the trend of the result, or for treatment control (Opinion).

1.4 To consider the trend, rather than an isolated value, of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and 25OH vitamin D results to guide therapeutic decisions (Opinion).

1.5 The decision for starting, adjusting or switching treatment should consider the set of biochemical parameters of mineral metabolism.

1.6 Do not consider the Ca x P product but the individual value of Ca and P to guide therapeutic decision (Evidence).

2. Measurement of serum calcium and phosphorus

2.1 In CKD G3a-G5D, serum calcium and phosphorus should be maintained within the normal range for the chosen method (Evidence).

2.2 Calcemia should preferably be assessed by dosing the ionized Ca (Evidence).

2.2.1 When ionized calcium measurement is not available, calcemia could be assessed using serum albumin-adjusted total Ca (Opinion).

2.3 Serum phosphorus values up to 5.5 mg/dL are accepted for the use of active vitamin D derivatives in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism secondary to CKD.

3. Measurement of total alkaline phosphatase (TAP)

3.1 In CKD G3a-5, total AP measurement should be performed at least every 12 months or, more frequently, if PTH is high (Opinion).

3.2 In CKD G5D, total AP measurement should be performed every 3 months (Opinion).

3.3 In the presence of liver diseases, bone AP (BAP) measurement, instead of TAP, should be considered (Opinion).

4. Measurement of parathormone (PTH)

4.1 In CKD G3a-5, optimal intact PTH levels are not yet established (Evidence).

4.2 In CKD G5D, intact PTH levels should be maintained between 2 to 9 times the upper value of the method (Evidence).

4.3 Depending on the method of intact PTH dosing, consider the different proportions of amino-terminal (biologically active) and carboxyl-terminal (biologically inactive) fractions (Opinion).

4.4 The blood sample for intact PTH measurement should be immediately stored on ice, while serum may be stored in a freezer at -80oC for further analysis (Opinion).

5. Measurement of calcidiol - 25(OH)D

5.1 In CKD G3a-G5D, the serum 25(OH)D level should be in the range of 30 to 100 ng/dL (Opinion).

5.2 The blood sample for 25(OH)D measurement should be preserved under protection from light (Evidence).

RATIONAL

It is necessary to know the methodology used by the clinical analysis laboratory, since there are different processes, materials and analysis trials, normality reference values, material transportation and packaging processes, among other factors that could interfere in the decision making regarding treatment and control of the disease11. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.0...
.

Metabolic changes in CKD-MBD become more evident from CKD G3a onward. Thus, the measurement of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, PTH and 25 vitamin D is recommended to be initiated at this stage and based on the frequency shown in the tables 1, 2,3, and 4,11. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.0...
. When evaluating the laboratory parameters involved in CKD-MBD, it is salutary to consider them over time, instead of the current isolated result, since the current values often represent recent attitudes. This could result in important serum changes, leading to a metabolic diagnosis disconnected from the histological pattern of the bone. The biochemical background of at least 1-2 years leads us to a trend of these variables and it is necessary for the correct diagnosis and treatment decision.

Serum calcium, phosphorus and PTH levels are influenced by several factors, including diet and dietary changes, adherence and time of drug intake, type of assay and their intra-assay coefficient of variation, circadian rhythm and the interval between the last hemodialysis session and the analysis22. Moe SM, Zidehsarai MP, Chambers MA, Jackman LA, Radcliffe JS, Trevino LL, et al. Vegetarian compared with meat dietary protein source and phosphorus homeostasis in chronic kidney disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011 Feb;6(2):257-64. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.05040610
https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.05040610...
-44. Dario KA, Dalboni MA, da Silva BC, Martins CSW, de Araujo LKRP, Elias RM, et al. Predialysis serum phosphate levels according to hemodialysis shift: circadian rhythm matters. Hemodial Int. 2021 Jan;25(1):134-6. https://doi.org/10.1111/hdi.12882
https://doi.org/10.1111/hdi.12882...
, in addition to collection, transport, packaging and centrifugation procedures.

Block et al55. Block GA, Kilpatrick RD, Lowe KA, Wang W, Danese MD. CKD-mineral and bone disorder and risk of death and cardiovascular hospitalization in patients on hemodialysis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2013 Dec;8(12):2132-40. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.04260413
https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.04260413...
, in a post hoc analysis assessing a large cohort of patients undergoing dialysis, suggested that biochemical markers involved in CKD-MBD have limited prognostic implication, since several CKD-MBD phenotypic behaviors are observed, according to KDIGO1/KDOQI66. National Kidney Foundation. K/DOQI clinical practice guidelines for bone metabolism and disease in chronic kidney disease. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003 Oct;42(4 Suppl 3):S1-201. targets, when based on calcium, phosphorus and PTH. This highlights potential interactions among them for predicting risk of death and cardiovascular events, which reinforces the need to rely on the set of results to the detriment of the unit. Finally, it should be considered that any therapeutic attitude based on a parameter has effects, even if unintentional, on the others, as observed in the EVOLVE trial77. EVOLVE Trial Investigators, Chertow GM, Block GA, Correa-Rotter R, Drueke TB, Floege J, et al. Effect of cinacalcet on cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing dialysis. N Engl J Med. 2012 Dec 27;367(26):2482-94. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1205624
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1205624...
. We suggest that, although there is no evidence, but based on current literature, not only calcium, phosphorus and PTH together should be considered for therapeutic decision-making, but also alkaline phosphatase.

The soluble fraction of calcium in the human body is mainly present in the extracellular fluid and distributed in the interstitial fluid and serum. The soluble fraction is found in 3 forms: a) free calcium (ionized - CaI), which is the physiologically active form and responsible for several physiological and metabolic actions; b) calcium ions bound to albumin; c) calcium bound to organic ions, such as phosphate, sulfate, and bicarbonate. Small changes in soluble calcium could result in alterations in neurological, renal, gastrointestinal, and cardiac functions88. Baird GS. Ionized calcium. Clin Chim Acta. 2011 Apr 11;412(9-10):696-701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2011.01.004
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2011.01.00...
. Moore, however, highlights CaI as the metabolically active form responsible for biological actions in pathological and physiological conditions33. Viaene L, Meijers B, Vanrenterghem Y, Evenepoel P. Daytime rhythm and treatment-related fluctuations of serum phosphorus concentration in dialysis patients. Am J Nephrol. 2012;35(3):242-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000336308
https://doi.org/10.1159/000336308...
. Thus, since the serum calcium level depends on its binding to organic anions and albumin, it is questionable whether it is preferable to consider TCa, aTCa (adjusted total calcium), or CaI as the best method to be used in clinical conditions. Formulas for calculating CaI should not be used, since they do not correlate with calcium measured directly in critically ill patients, with chronic kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism, acidemia, those receiving transfusion, and those on hemodialysis99. Szyfelbein SK, Drop LJ, Martyn JA. Persistent ionized hypocalcemia in patients during resuscitation and recovery phases of body burns. Crit Care Med. 1981 Jun;9(6):454-8. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003246-198106000-00004
https://doi.org/10.1097/00003246-1981060...
-1313. Mir AA, Goyal B, Datta SK, Ikkurthi S, Pal A. Comparison between measured and calculated free calcium values at different serum albumin concentrations. J Lab Physicians. 2016 Jul-Dec;8(2):71-6. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2727.180785
https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2727.180785...
. The formula [adjusted total calcium (aTCa) = total calcium + (4 - serum albumin) x 0.8] is suggested for correction of total calcium based on serum albumin1212. Byrnes MC, Huynh K, Helmer SD, Stevens C, Dort JM, Smith RS. A comparison of corrected serum calcium levels to ionized calcium levels among critically ill surgical patients. Am J Surg. 2005 Mar;189(3):310-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2004.11.017
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2004.1...
. The 2009 KDIGO1414. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Work Group. KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl. 2009 Aug;(113):S1-130. https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2009.188
https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2009.188...
suggested that serum calcium in renal function stages 3a-5D should be maintained within the normal range for the analytical method used. KDIGO 201711. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.0...
, meanwhile, observing the evidence profile of studies that assessed serum calcium level in renal function stages 3a-5D, all observational, classified them as moderate risk of bias and low quality of evidence for clinical outcomes. Most of these studies observed elevated risk of death and cardiovascular events for increasing calcium levels, but showed no evidence for maintaining calcium levels within the normal range. Thus, the guideline only suggests avoiding hypercalcemia. Mild, asymptomatic hypocalcemia, on the other hand, could be tolerated, as it shows low risk tendency for clinical outcomes77. EVOLVE Trial Investigators, Chertow GM, Block GA, Correa-Rotter R, Drueke TB, Floege J, et al. Effect of cinacalcet on cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing dialysis. N Engl J Med. 2012 Dec 27;367(26):2482-94. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1205624
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1205624...
. With the advent of calcimimetics, vigorous correction of hypocalcemia was initially postulated, justified by the risk of side effects secondary to it. However, KDIGO 201711. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.0...
highlights that the risk of replacement outweighs the risk of hypocalcemia, suggesting that it should be tolerated, provided that it is asymptomatic and without influence on the other biochemical elements involved in CKD-MBD.

Calcium concentration in the dialysate should always be individualized, considering not only serum calcium level and its need for adjustment, but also the possible histological profile of the patient. Karohl C et al.1515. Karohl C, Paschoal J de P, de Castro MCM, Elias RM, Abensur H, Romão Jr JE, et al. Effects of bone remodelling on calcium mass transfer during haemodialysis. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2010 Apr;25(4):1244-51. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfp597
https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfp597...
have shown that during hemodialysis, calcium balance could affect or be affected by mineral metabolism. Only two randomized controlled studies have attempted to elucidate the importance of calcium concentration in the dialysate in clinical and histological outcomes. Ok et al.1616. Ok E, Asci G, Bayraktaroglu S, Toz H, Ozkahya M, Yilmaz M, et al. Reduction of dialysate calcium level reduces progression of coronary artery calcification and improves low bone turnover in patients on hemodialysis. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2016 Aug;27(8):2475-86. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2015030268
https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2015030268...
submitted hemodialysis patients to a calcium concentration of 2.5 and 3.5 mEq/L for 24 months and subsequent bone biopsy. They have demonstrated a greater trend to hypercalcemia with 3.5 mEq/L calcium, a trend to reduce the coronary artery calcification score with 2.5 mEq/L calcium, and improvement in histomorphometric parameters with the use of 2.5 mEq/L calcium. Spasovsky et al.1717. Spasovski G, Gelev S, Masin-Spasovska J, Selim G, Sikole A, Vanholder R. Improvement of bone and mineral parameters related to adynamic bone disease by diminishing dialysate calcium. Bone. 2007 Oct;41(4):698-703. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2007.06.014
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2007.06.0...
on the other hand, submitted patients with non-histologic diagnosis of adynamic disease (PTH <100 pg/mL) to calcium of 2.5 and 3.5 mEq/L in the hemodialysis bath, for 6 months, observing that those submitted to 2.5 mEq/L calcium showed better biochemical parameters, suggesting an improvement in bone mineral metabolism. However, neither has demonstrated whether an intermediate calcium concentration (3.0 mEq/L) could be beneficial in the same way. Furthermore, it is important to consider the high risk of bias in the overall, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality outcomes, in addition to the low quality for evidence of results and, consequently, not demonstrating improvement in the cited outcomes.

The onset of serum phosphorus measurement during the course of CKD has been the focus of debate in literature. Although hyperphosphatemia is a late event in the CKD progression, the effect of phosphorus on PTH, calcitriol and FGF-23 is recognized. Based on observational data, phosphorus dosing during the progression of CKD and in the dialysis period is suggested, according to Table 1.

Table 1.
Recommendation of values and serum dosing of calcium and phosphorus in CKD stages
Table 2.
Recommendation of values and serum dosing of alkaline phosphatase in CKD stages
Table 3.
Recommendation of values and serum dosing of PTH in CKD stages
Table 4.
Recommendation of values and serum dosing of vitamin D in CKD stages.

KDIGO 201711. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.0...
, after reviewing the evidence from the available studies regarding the serum phosphorus level that should be adopted as a target, cites the main conclusions: (i) the association between serum phosphate and clinical result is not monotonic; (ii) there is a lack of demonstrated efficacy of phosphate binders in reducing serum phosphate in patients with CKD 3a-4; (iii) safety of phosphate binders in this population is not proven; and (iv) there is a lack of data showing that dietary phosphate restriction improves clinical results. Consequently, the work group abandoned the previous suggestion (KDIGO 2009)1414. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Work Group. KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl. 2009 Aug;(113):S1-130. https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2009.188
https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2009.188...
of maintaining phosphate in the normal range, suggesting the treatment to be focused on patients with hyperphosphatemia. The work group recognized that preventing hyperphosphatemia rather than treating it, may be useful in patients with stage 3a-5D CKD, but it acknowledges that current data are insufficient to support the safety or efficacy of such an approach and encourages research in this area.

There is still no consensus on what the "best" serum phosphorus level would be for stage 5D patients. Considering the prospective observational study COSMOS1818. Fernandez-Martin JL, Martinez-Camblor P, Dionisi MP, Floege J, Ketteler M, London G, et al. Improvement of mineral and bone metabolism markers is associated with better survival in haemodialysis patients: the COSMOS study. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2015 Sep;30(9):1542-51. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfv099
https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfv099...
, which evaluated a cohort of hemodialysis patients, the best survival was observed with serum phosphate close to 4.4 mg/dL, i.e., the upper limit considered normal in most laboratory tests. In addition, high quality of evidence has been reported linking high serum phosphorus concentrations to mortality in patients with CKD functional stage 3A-5D and after kidney transplantation1919. Connolly GM, Cunningham R, McNamee PT, Young IS, Maxwell AP. Elevated serum phosphate predicts mortality in renal transplant recipients. Transplantation. 2009 Apr 15;87(7):1040-4. https://doi.org/10.1097/TP.0b013e31819cd122
https://doi.org/10.1097/TP.0b013e31819cd...
-2727. Tentori F, Blayney MJ, Albert JM, Gillespie BW, Kerr PG, Bommer J, et al. Mortality risk for dialysis patients with different levels of serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH: the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS). Am J Kidney Dis. 2008 Sep 1;52(3):P519-30. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2008.03.020
https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2008.03.0...
. Despite these considerations, it is accepted, for the purposes of treatment with active vitamin D derivatives, the limit of serum phosphorus up to 5.5 mg/dL. The association between high serum levels of TAP and relative risk of fractures has been reported in hemodialysis patients2828. Blayney MJ, Pisoni RL, Bragg-Gresham JL, Bommer J, Piera L, Saito A, et al. High alkaline phosphatase levels in hemodialysis patients are associated with higher risk of hospitalization and death. Kidney Int. 2008 Sep 1;74(5):P655-63. https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2008.248
https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2008.248...
, which justifies its monitoring, preferably in consonance with PTH. BAP correlates better with the bone formation rate, besides having a better predictive value for high and low bone turnover than PTH2929. Fletcher S, Jones RG, Rayner HC, Harnden P, Hordon LD, Aaron JE, et al. Assessment of renal osteodystrophy in dialysis patients: use of bone alkaline phosphatase, bone mineral density and parathyroid ultrasound in comparison with bone histology. Nephron. 1997;75(4):412-9. https://doi.org/10.1159/000189578
https://doi.org/10.1159/000189578...
-3232. Lehmann G, Ott U, Kaemmerer D, Schuetze J, Wolf G. Bone histomorphometry and biochemical markers of bone turnover in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3 - 5. Clin Nephrol. 2008 Oct;70(4):296-305. https://doi.org/10.5414/cnp70296
https://doi.org/10.5414/cnp70296...
.

KDIGO 2017 recommends keeping serum PTH within normal ranges in the non-dialytic stages of CKD11. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.0...
. However, to date, there are no publications defining the best value, as well as mortality, hospitalization, and fracture outcomes. In this context, it is suggested to consider the PTH evolution over time [persistently above the upper limit of normal, or progressively increasing] in conjunction with modifiable factors (serum phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D). There is a tendency to recognize that high phosphorus intake does not always result in hyperphosphatemia, especially in the non-dialytic stages of CKD, but it may worsen SHPT.

The control of PTH elevation is necessary due to its association with morbidity and mortality and it should first go through the control of phosphorus intake (observing the phosphorus/protein intake ratio), correction of hypocalcemia, correction of hyperphosphatemia with binders and vitamin D replacement11. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.0...
,3333. Moe SM, Saifullah A, LaClair RE, Usman SA, Yu Z. A randomized trial of cholecalciferol versus doxercalciferol for lowering parathyroid hormone in chronic kidney disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2010 Feb;5(2):299-306. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.07131009
https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.07131009...
. If PTH is not controlled with the above measures, the use of calcitriol or vitamin D analogues (paricalcitol or alfacalcidol) may be considered, especially in CKD stages 4-5. The risk of hypercalcemia11. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.0...
,3434. Coburn JW, Maung HM, Elangovan L, Germain MJ, Lindberg JS, Sprague SM, et al. Doxercalciferol safely suppresses PTH levels in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease stages 3 and 4. Am J Kidney Dis. 2004 May 1;43(5):P877-90. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2004.01.012
https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2004.01.0...
,3535. Hamdy NA, Kanis JA, Beneton MN, Brown CB, Juttmann JR, Jordans JG, et al. Effect of alfacalcidol on natural course of renal bone disease in mild to moderate renal failure. BMJ. 1995 Feb 11;310(6976):358-63. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.310.6976.358
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.310.6976.358...
and possible CKD progression11. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.0...
are limiting factors for routine use, since the available publications show no benefits in mortality and hospitalization hard outcomes, but only in biochemical and histological control1111. Zaloga GP, Chernow B, Cook D, Snyder R, Clapper M, O'Brian JT. Assessment of calcium homeostasis in the critically ill surgical patient. The diagnostic pitfalls of the McLean-Hastings nomogram. Ann Surg. 1985 Nov;202(5):587-94. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-198511000-00009
https://doi.org/10.1097/00000658-1985110...
,3535. Hamdy NA, Kanis JA, Beneton MN, Brown CB, Juttmann JR, Jordans JG, et al. Effect of alfacalcidol on natural course of renal bone disease in mild to moderate renal failure. BMJ. 1995 Feb 11;310(6976):358-63. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.310.6976.358
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.310.6976.358...
,3636. Wang AY-M, Fang F, Chan J, Wen Y-Y, Qing S, Chan IH-S, et al. Effect of paricalcitol on left ventricular mass and function in CKD--the OPERA trial. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014 Jan;25(1):175-86. https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2013010103
https://doi.org/10.1681/ASN.2013010103...
.

There is no consensus on the appropriate or toxic serum level of 25(OH)D. However, the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology and the American Society of Endocrinology are unanimous in stating that in CKD, regardless of stage, it should be above 30 ng/mL and lower than 100 ng/mL.

The decision whether to measure, when and how often to measure, and the serum level required should be individualized according to the other CKD-MBD biomarkers condition. There is a demonstrated association between 25(OH)D deficiency (< 10 or 15 ng/mL) with several diseases3737. Holick MF. Vitamin D for health and in chronic kidney disease. Semin Dial. 2005 Jul-Aug;18(4):266-75. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-139X.2005.18402.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-139X.2005...
,3838. Hollis BW, Wagner CL. Normal serum vitamin D levels. N Engl J Med. 2005 Feb 3;352(5):515-6; https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200502033520521
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200502033520...
and, in CKD, with mortality3939. Wolf M, Shah A, Gutierrez O, Ankers E, Monroy M, Tamez H, et al. Vitamin D levels and early mortality among incident hemodialysis patients. Kidney Int. 2007 Oct 2;72(8):P1004-13.. However, there is no publication showing that calcidiol repletion at a certain level reduces it. Since KDIGO 20091414. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Work Group. KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl. 2009 Aug;(113):S1-130. https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2009.188
https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2009.188...
, only one randomized controlled study has been reported, by Oksa et al.4040. Oksa A, Spustová V, Krivosíková Z, Gazdíková K, Fedelesová V, Lajdová I, et al. Effects of long-term cholecalciferol supplementation on mineral metabolism and calciotropic hormones in chronic kidney disease. Kidney Blood Press Res. 2008;31(5):322-9. https://doi.org/10.1159/000157177
https://doi.org/10.1159/000157177...
, assessing cholecalciferol supplementation at high (80,000 IU/month) and low (20,000 IU/month) doses in adult patients with CKD stage 2-4, showing increased serum levels in both groups, greater in the high dose group. However, PTH did not significantly differ between them.

Routine serum calcitriol dosing is not recommended, since the analysis trials are not completely standardized, half-life is short, measurements could be artificially altered by the provision of exogenous calcitriol and vitamin D analogues, and there are no data indicating that its measurement is helpful in therapeutic definition or predicts clinical outcomes1414. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Work Group. KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, prevention, and treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl. 2009 Aug;(113):S1-130. https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2009.188
https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.2009.188...
.

Finally, there is not sufficient evidence to date to justify the routine serum dosing of other biomarkers, such as sclerostin, FGF-23, klotho, CTX, P1NP, in the management of CKD-MBD.

REFERENCES

  • 1. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD-MBD Update Work Group. KDIGO 2017 Clinical Practice Guideline Update for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, Prevention, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD). Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2017 Jul;7(1):1-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kisu.2017.04.001
  • 2. Moe SM, Zidehsarai MP, Chambers MA, Jackman LA, Radcliffe JS, Trevino LL, et al. Vegetarian compared with meat dietary protein source and phosphorus homeostasis in chronic kidney disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011 Feb;6(2):257-64. https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.05040610
    » https://doi.org/10.2215/CJN.05040610
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    03 Dec 2021
  • Date of issue
    2021

History

  • Received
    03 June 2021
  • Accepted
    10 June 2021
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