Effective use of cinacalcet for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in Austrian dialysis patients--results of the Austrian cohort of the ECHO study

Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2011 Jan;123(1-2):45-52. doi: 10.1007/s00508-010-1515-x. Epub 2011 Jan 21.

Abstract

Background: Despite extensive use of standard therapy for secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) in dialysis patients, still most patients do not achieve the recommended treatment targets. In a pan-European observational study (ECHO), the effectiveness of the calcimimetic cinacalcet for the treatment of sHPT was evaluated in real-world clinical practice. A sub-analysis of the entire Austrian study cohort is presented.

Methods: Adult dialysis patients who had initiated cinacalcet therapy were included. Data on biochemical parameters of bone and mineral metabolism (intact parathyroid hormone [iPTH], calcium [Ca] and phosphorus [P]) and concurrent medication were collected 6 months prior to the initiation of cinacalcet, at initiation (baseline) and after up to 12 months of active treatment.

Results: A total of 320 patients (mean age (±SD): 56 (±14) years) from 34 Austrian dialysis centres were enrolled. At baseline, patients presented with elevated serum iPTH (median 605 pg/ml) and hyperphosphataemia (median 2.1 mmol/l). After 12 months of cinacalcet treatment, serum iPTH (median percentage change -48%), calcium (-2%) and phosphorus (-6%) decreased. The greatest iPTH reduction (-66%) was found in patients with most severe sHPT (>800 pg/ml at baseline). The proportion of patients achieving the recommended NKF/K-DOQI(™) treatment targets increased from baseline to month 12 for iPTH (3-36%) and phosphorus (24 to 39%) and remained stable for calcium (51 to 50%), respectively. No patient had all 3 parameters simultaneously within NKF/K-DOQI(™) treatment targets at baseline, while 7% of patients achieved this treatment goal after 12 months. During the study the use of the phosphate binder sevelamer remained fairly stable, while the relative percentage use of calcium-based phosphate binders increased and the usage of aluminium-containing binders decreased; vitamin D analogue use remained stable.

Conclusion: Additional use of cinacalcet improved biochemical parameters of bone and mineral metabolism and enabled more patients to achieve and maintain the KDOQI(™) treatment targets for serum iPTH, calcium and phosphorus.

MeSH terms

  • Austria / epidemiology
  • Cinacalcet
  • Cohort Studies
  • Dialysis / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / drug therapy*
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Naphthalenes / therapeutic use*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Naphthalenes
  • Cinacalcet