[Hypercalcaemic crises in patients with chronic renal failure caused by ion-exchange resins, antacidotics and other calcium-containing drugs (author's transl)].

Between 1972 and 1976 15 patients with chronic renal failure of different aetiology and varying severity were observed who developed 23 hypercalcaemic phases during treatment with calcium-containing drugs. 12 instances of hypercalcaemia occurred during conservative treated during conservative treatment (serum creatinine 177-1061 mumol/l, equivalent to 20-120 mg/l) and 11 during chronic haemodialysis (serum creatinine 707-1061 mumol/l, equivalent to 80-120 mg/l). In 15 cases hypercalcaemia was caused by a hexacalciumhexasodium-heptacitratehydrate complex (Acetolyt), in 6 cases by the combined use of this drug with calcium ion-exchange resins on a calciumpolystyrolsulfonate base, and in two cases by the use of calcium tablets and calciumpolystyrolsulfonate, respectively. The daily doses of these drugs were in the usual therapeutic range in most cases. Deterioration of renal function was observed in two cases and coma in a further two cases. In 5 cases gastric ulcers were demonstrated. Three patients died. In no patient was there evidence of florid hyperparathyroidism. Treatment with calcium-containing drugs in patients with renal failure should only be carried out under regular control of calcium concentrations.