Calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder in children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis.

The aim of the study was the evaluation of the efficacy of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the control of serum phosphorus level in children with ESRD. Sixteen patients (group I) were evaluated retrospectively, 25 pts (group II) were observed prospectively. The pts from group I were treated with CaCO3 (100-800 mg/kg/day) with or without Al(OH)3 and with different doses of DHT. The pts from group II were treated with CaCO3 and DHT without Al(OH)3 but some of them had obtained Al(OH)3 in the past. The doses of CaCO3 were individually adjusted to maintain the serum calcium level 5.0-5.5 mEq/l. In the pts on CAPD evaluated retrospectively the control of serum phosphorus level was better and episodes of hypercalcemia were more frequent than in the pts on HD. Neither the concomitant use of Al(OH)3 with CaCO3 nor varying the dosage of DHT within assumed range influenced serum phosphorus level. The differences in serum phosphorus level and in the frequency of episodes of hypercalcemia in pts in group II were less obvious then in group I. It may depend on more precise adjustment of CaCO3 doses to the individual needs of these pts. The episodes of hypercalcemia in the group II were more frequent in pts who received Al(OH)3 in the past.