| [ Summary ] |
Chronic renal failure is associated with hyperphosphatemia, followed by a decrease in serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D, resulting in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Active vitamin D derivatives have been established as a distinct therapeutic drug for the treatment of renal hyperparathyroidism. However, in addition to their suppressive effect on secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), they significantly increased serum levels of Ca and phosphate, which might cause major adverse reactions, such as ectopic calcification and further impairment of renal function. Thus, new oral derivatives of active vitamin D, which retain the suppressive effects on PTH secretion with less potent hypercalcemic effects, have recently been developed, although the separation of the two effects seems to be only partial. |