Toxicity of parathyroid hormone in uremia.

The most significant complication of elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in uremia is the development of osteitis fibrosa cystica. The hormone also appears to play a role in soft-tissue and organ calcification, metabolic abnormalities (glucose, lipids), and electroencephalographic changes seen in uremic patients. Its role in the hematological abnormalities of uremia (anemia, bleeding) is controversial. A role for PTH in heart and skeletal muscle dysfunction in uremia has not been clearly established. Further studies are required to establish PTH as a "universal" toxin in uremia.