Pulse oral calcitriol to treat hyperparathyroidism in 43 CAPD patients.

To further study the effect of pulse oral calcitriol on the level of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), we have studied the response of 43 patients treated with 5.0 mcg calcitriol bi-weekly for one year. Mean iPTH decreased from 603 pg/mL +/- 262 (+/- SD) to 222 pg/mL +/- 185 (p < 0.001). Thirty-six patients responded showing a decrease in iPTH from baseline; 7 patients showed no decrease in iPTH. Transient hypercalcemia (calcium > 10.5 mg/dL) was noted in 6 patients of the responder group which corrected with temporary discontinuation of pulse therapy. Pulse oral calcitriol is an effective therapy to decrease elevated iPTH levels in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with hyperparathyroidism.