Influence of 1 alpha-hydroxy vitamin D3 (0.25 micrograms/day) and calcium carbonate on patients with chronic renal failure at the predialytic stage.

The influence of a small amount of 1 alpha (OH)D3 on patients with chronic renal failure at the predialytic stage (CRFPS patients) receiving CaCO3 was investigated. 7 patients given CaCO3 (3 g/day) were administered 1 alpha (OH)D3 (0.25 micrograms/day) over a period of 12 weeks. 2 patients were eliminated from the study because of obvious deterioration of renal function. The others revealed no significant changes in levels of serum creatinine, adjusted calcium, phosphate, calcium x phosphate product, alkaline phosphatase, C-terminal parathyroid hormone, pH and bicarbonate. Our results indicated that even 0.25 micrograms/day 1 alpha (OH)D3 should not be prescribed to CRFPS patients given 3 g/day CaCO3. We recommend a little sole use of CaCO3 in CRFPS patients, paying attention to any exacerbation of renal function due to a rise in serum calcium concentration, when therapy for secondary hyperparathyroidism is required.