Scenario 1 - Part 1:

Part I: A 50-yr-old male with ESKD who came in  for routine follow up. He has been on maintenance hemodialysis for 2 years. The patient had a myocardial infarction requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery 9 months ago.

Review of his laboratory values are shown in table I

Test

Value

S. Creatinine

4.2 mg/dL

S. Corrected Calcium

10.12mg/d L

S. Phosphorus

6.9mg/d L

iPTH

92 pg/mL

 

A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient .

B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?

C) Suggest the most likely management plan.

50 Comments

  • Radwa Ellisy


    • This is a case of a dynamic bone disease based on (mild hypercalcemia, near normal iPTH, and hyperphosphatemia) in an advanced CKD patient stage V
    • No need for vit D agonist as it would increase parathyroid suppression.

    B other work up :
    lateral spine X-ray for vascular calcification and echocardiography
    laboratory: ALP
    management plan:
    Stop vit D agonist
    Stop calcium supplementation or calcium phosphorus binders
    low dialysate calcium (1.25-1.5 mmol/l)
    use of non calcium based phosphorus binders as sevelamer

  • Amna Kununa


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient.

    • In the presence of mild hyper ca and HyperPh with low PTH and clinical evidence of vascular calcification, all of these point to the possibility of ABD.

    The principal factor underlying ABD is either:

    1. over suppression of PTH release (high doses of vitamin D analogs, calcium-based phosphate binders, and/or calcimimetic agents)
    2. resistance to PTH actions on bone

    So calcitriol will suppress PTH

    B) Do you suggest any other workup for this patient?

    • BSAP as a surrogate biomarker of ABD
    • Evaluation of vascular calcification (eg, lateral Abd x-ray)
    • vit D

    C) Suggest the most likely management plan.
    Reversal of PTH suppression — The initial approach to treatment of ABD is to allow PTH secretion to rise.

    By:

    • using non-calcium-based phosphate binders
    • decreasing or stopping active vitamin D analogs;
    • low dialysate calcium concentration

    Monitor treatment response:

    1. PTH
    2. BSAP
    3. calcium, phosphate
    4. 25-hydroxyvitamin

    Reversal of ABD: increase in PTH and BSAP levels and resolution of hypercalcemia (if present).

  • Asma Aljaberi


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient.Patient has ESRD on HD with inappropriately low PTH indicating that patient has ABD. I don’t recommend to start on calcitriol as the patient has mildly elevated Ca and High Ph. Calcitriol will suppress PTH further.  B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?BTM: BsALP, P1NP
    DXA scan with TBS
    VFA
    Lateral spine X-ray to check for aorta calcification

    C) Suggest the most likely management planStop Ca carb if any taken orally
    Make sure dietary Ca intake < 2000 mg per day
    Decrease Ca in dialysate
    Non Ca phosphate binder
    Low phosphate diet

  • Mohamed Abdulahi Hassan


    Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient .this patient does not need calcitorial
    Do you suggest any other work-up for this patientthis patient need xray ,echo , CT scan for finding any calcifications
    Suggest the most likely management plan.low calcium dialysate
    low phosphate diet

  • Khaldon Rashed Ahmed Moqbil


    A-stop
    b- BSAP
    Lateral abdominal X Ray for any calcification 
    Echo for calcification valve
    c-low ca diet
    low ca diyls.
    

  • Muhammad Soobadar


    A- likely abd suppressed pth . no need for calcitriol
    B- Vitamin D , Bone Makers and Lateral x ray to check calcification
    C- observe pth ca/po42- after stopping ca binders , low calcium dialysate stopping alphacalcidol

  • Hagar Ali


    A)not to use calcitriol in this case
    B)check ALP
    c ) use low ca dialysate
    efficient dialysis ,decrease diet containing phosphate
    use non ca containing phosphate binder

  • KAMAL ELGORASHI


    A)
    Calcitriol should not be used, as it will worsen the condition, although some study found vitD supplements will not aggravate ABD.
    B)

    • Echocardiography.
    • CTA for calcification.
    • BSAP.
    • DXA scan.

    C)

    • Dietary Pi restriction.
    • Dialysis using theranova filter.
    • Optomise dialysis with the use low calcium dialysate.
    • Colnoscopy for diagnosis malabsorption syndrome.
  • Mahmud ISLAM


    We do not need calcitriol therapy in this patient. Ca is 10.12 mg with PTH below the target, which is more optimal around 300 +/- 50; for that reason lowering dialysate calcium to 1.25, replacing or the initiation of non-calcium binding phosphor binders (sevelamer or low dose Lantanum).

  • Alaa Abdel Nasser


    No need for calcitriol therapy in this patient

    check alkaline phosphatase

    dietary restriction of phosphate
    low dialyse calcium
    non calcium containing phosphate binders

  • Rihab Elidrisi


    This patient has HIGh CA and PO4 with low PTH which looks like adynamic bone disease
    in such area, calcitriol will suppress the PTH more.

    Do you suggest any other workup for this patient?Need to check for ALP bone type to be sure of our diagnosis

    Suggest the most likely management plan.diet control
    use of low CA bath in dialysis
    increase the frequency and the length of dialysis
    non-Ca phosphate binder along with a low Phosphate diet

  • Ahmed Altalawy


    A. No need for calcitriol
    B. Suggest echo and lat abd X ray
    C. Plan ;
    diet control
    use non calcium containing P binder
    stop alpha calcidol and calcimimetics
    use low calcium dialysate

  • Asmaa Salih KHUDHUR


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient .
    The patient has high normal calcium, high phosphate and low PTH , picture goes with adynamic bone disease , there is no need for calcitriol as it will cause more suppression to PTH and cause more harm.

    B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?
    BSAP
    Lateral abdominal X R for any calcification 
    Echo for any valvular calcification 

    C) Suggest the most likely management plan.
    Low phosphate diet
    Avoid calcimimatics and calcitriol 
    Use non-calcium phosphate binders
    Low calcium dialysate

  • Nour Al Natout


    A) this patient have normal calcium , high phosphorus and very slight elevated PTH. The treatment with VDR will be inappropriate because it will rise further his phosphate and calcium level what is not needed in this case and will further suppress his relative low iPTH level.

    B) we can measure Bone specific AP, 25 OHVitamin D , we can measure DXA in this case.

    C) we will prescribe him non-calcium containing phosphate binders. Dietary consultation and encouraging him to not take above 800-1000 mg calcium daily and to avoid phosphat rich food.

  • Abdulrahman Almutawakel


    A- THIS PATIENT HAS HIGH PHOSPHOROUS , HIGH NORMAL CALCIUM ,AND INADEQUATLY ELEVATED PTH ( SUPRESSED ) SO AVOID VITD AND CALCIUM SUBLEMENTS
    B- PATIENT NEEDS FOR OTHER LAB LIKE ALK. PHOSPHAASE , VIT D LEVEL , ALSO NEEDS FOR XRAY , ECHO AND CORONARY CT SCAN MY BE WILL HELP
    C- NONCALCIUM PHOSPHATE BINDER , LOW CALCIUM , PROLONGED SESSIONS OF DIALYSIS , DIET CONTROL

  • Israa Hammoodi


    A. Calcitriol not need to be given for this patient as he has high phosphorous and low PTH
    B. Bsap, lateral x ray of the abdomen for vascular calcification, echocardiography
    C. Stop calcimimetic drug or vitamin D analogs, low phosphorous containing diet, non calcium containing phosphate binders, increase dialysis adequacy.

  • Emad mohamed mokbel Salem


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient .no need for calcitriol therapy in this patient as he has hyperphosphatemia and low PTH level

    B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?i order bone specific alkaline phosphatase
    abdominal x ray lateral view
    Echo

    C) Suggest the most likely management plan.1-dietary phosphate restriction avoid inorganic phosphate diet
    2-adequate hemodialysis (high flux ,increase time or frequency of hd )
    3=add sevelamer as phosphate binder
    4-low calcium dialysate 1.25 mmol
    5-avoid any calcium or VDRA or calcimimetics

  • Rabab ALaa Eldin keshk Rabab


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient .
    No need for adding vit D dueto pt have hyperphosphatemia and upper normal of ca with slight elevation in pth that’s parameters causing depression in pth and induce vascular calcification.
    B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?
    Serum alkaline phosphatase and bone specific alkaline phosphatase
    Echo to exclude cardiac calcification
    Xary abdomen in lateral view to detect aortic calcification.

    C) Suggest the most likely management plan.
    Non ca containing phosphate binders
    And low ca diyalisate concentration

  • Mahmoud Sobh


    Model answers by the board:

    A. Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient . 

    This patient most likely has adynamic bone disease (ABD) based on the low PTH and the mild hypercalcemia. The initial approach for treatment of ABD is to allow parathyroid hormone secretion to rise to improve the bone formation rate. This can be achieved by using non-calcium-based phosphate binders; decreasing or stopping active vitamin D analogs; and, for patients on dialysis, possibly by using a low-dialysate calcium concentration according to KDIGO 2017 guidelines (1). 

    B. Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient? 

    Lateral abdominal radiograph can be used to detect the presence or absence of vascular calcification, and an echocardiogram can be used to detect the presence or absence of valvular calcification, as reasonable alternatives to computed tomography-based imaging (2C).
    Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase can be used to evaluate bone disease because markedly high or low values predict underlying bone turnover (2B), (1). 

    C. Suggest the most likely management plan.

    Restricting dietary phosphate intake and using non-calcium containing phosphate binders as sevelamer. Using calcitriol or oral calcium should be avoided. Suggest using a dialysate calcium concentration between 1.25 and 1.50 mmol/l. These measures help to decrease phosphorus level and guard against more decrease in PTH level that have many hazardous effects on either bone health or cardiovascular calcification.

  • MOHAMMED HAJI HASSAN


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient 
    This patient is suspected with Adynamic bone disease, Vitamine D analog will further increase both serum calcium and phosphate so no need to add calcitriol for this case

    B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?
    Bone specific Alkaline phosphatase(BAP)- Vitamin D- Xray-Dexa scan- evaluate for cardiac calcification- check the dialysate calcium concentration.

    C) Suggest the most likely management plan.
    Correct hyperphosphatemia by using noncalcium phosphate binders and advice low diet phosphate Review dialysate calcium concentration suggest them to use low calcium dialysate
    Monitor serum calcium, phosphate and PTH

  • Mahmoud Elsheikh


    Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient 

    • no role to calcitriol in this case.

    Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?

    • yes , ECHO, lateral view Xray abd, review his medication ., review the dialysate.for Ca concentration, bone alk ph.

    Suggest the most likely management plan: USE low ca dialysate, stop ca based ph binder, ow ca diet, stop vit -Calcimimitic, reviwe the water unit for AL .

  • HASSAN ALYAMMAHI


    A)  Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient .
    Calcitriol will increase Ca (already normal), will increase PO4 (already high) and will suppress iPTH (not needed)à No need for Calcitriol in this case.

    B)  Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?
    bALP, lateral spine XR, DEXA scan, VitD levels, ? bone biopsy

    C)  Suggest the most likely management plan.
     low ca dialysate, stop ca based PO4 binder, low ca diet, stop vit D, stop Calcimimitics , check dialysate water for Aluminium.
     

  • Riaan Flooks


    Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient.

    • The clinical case is that of Adynamic Bone Disease
    • Calcitriol therapy will increase Calcium levels, by increasing the intestinal absorption thereof
    • No need for calcitriol use

    Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?

    • Evaluate the patient for other risk factors for Adynamic Bone Disease
    • Malnutrition
    • Diabetes Mellitus
    • Alcoholism
    • Evaluate for vascular calcification
    • Lateral Xrays of abdomen and of lower limbs
    • Echocardiogram
    • Dialysate calcium content
    • DEXA scan
    • Evaluate s-Aluminium levels
    • Biomarkers
    • Bone specific ALP
    • Total ALP
    • 25(OH)Vit D
    • Sclerostin

    Suggest the most likely management plan.

    • Low Calcium dialysate
    • Avoid Calcium containing phosphate binders, Vitamin D analogues and Calcimimetics
    • Manage risk factors that can reduce the bone density – ie. Alcohol intake, Smoking, lack of exercise
    • Evaluate the possibility of aluminium exposure
  • Ashraf Ahmed Mahmoud


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient .with calcitriol the s.Ca will increase due to increase the absorption of Ca from gut .
    so no role to calcitriol in this case.

    B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?yes ,

    • invwstigate for calcification
    • ECHO
    • lateral view Xray abd
    • skin examination .
    • review his medication .
    • review the dialysate.for Ca concentration .
    • b alk ph.

    C -Suggest the most likely management plan.

    • USE low ca dialysate .
    • stop ca based ph binder .
    • low ca diet
    • stop vit D – Calcimimitic .
    • reviwe the water ttt unit for AL .
  • Rania Mahmoud


    A)  Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient
    We are suspecting ABD
    Calcitriol therapy is not preffered for this patient .
    The following conditions are contraindicated with this drug:
    ·        sarcoidosis.
    ·        high amount of phosphate in the blood.
    ·        high amount of calcium in the blood.
    ·        excessive amount of vitamin D in the body.
    ·        kidney stones.
    ·        decreased kidney function.

    B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?

    • Alkaline phosphatase.
    • ECHO.
    • X-ray of upper or lower limbs for evidence of vascular calcification.
    • DEXA

    C/ Suggest the most likely management plan.

    • Adequate hemodialysis
    • low-phosphate diet. 
    • Avoid any calcium or vitamin D derivatives.
    • Follow-up of these laboratory parameter
    • Correction of hyperphosphatemia by non calcium, non aluminum phosphate binders
    • Bone assessment to rule out adynamic bone disease
  • Ahmed Wagih


    the patient has lab evidece of adynamic bone disease, high serum ca and po4, and low PTH. Addition of calcitrol will worse the conditin, increase calcium and phosphorus which will lead to more vascular calcification and suppressing PTH. we should check alkaline phosphatase and serum aluminum. plan of management include :- decreasing serum calcium by holding calcium bsed phosphate binder, decrease calcium in the dialysate
    2 – decrease suppression of pth, hold vit d and its analogue or calcimimetics
    3- correction of hyperphosphatemia by non calcium, non aluminum phosphate binders

  • Weam El Nazer


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient

    Adding calcitriol will increase the absorption of ca and PO4 from the GIT, which will increase the serum ca and PO4, which are already high. also, calcitriol will suppress the PTH more, which is already low and reflect a dynamic bone disease
    All this will increase vascular calcification.

    Do you suggest any other workup for this patient?
    Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase
    25-OH VIT D
    S.alumonium
    Echo, Dexa scan, and CAC score
    kt/v

    C) Suggest the most likely management planCheck the calcium concentration of the dialysate and make sure it is not more than 1,5
    avoid calcium and Vitamin D and vitamin D analog
    Search for any source of aluminum, especially in pharmaceuticals and food preparation, and stay away from it.
    Re-educate about the importance of avoiding smoking, and decreasing body weight
    with close observation of ca, PO4, and PTH

  • Ben Lomatayo


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient .

    • This guy on HD for 2 years and had history CAD
    • We know that, CKD pts are at high risk for CVD due to presence of traditional & non-traditional risk factors
    • His laboratory data showed Ca at upper limit of normal, high PO4, & iPTH < 150 pg/ml. These findings may favor the diagnosis of adynamic bone disease (ABD) although further investigations may be needed to confirm this diagnosis. ABD is a well known risk factor for CVD according to the data from the observational studies and this may explained CAD in this patient.
    • Calcitriol therapy is not a good idea in this case, as we are suspecting ABD and the patient is already had high Ca & high PO4 , and iPTH < 150 ,which is likey to worsen upon introduction of calcitriol.

    B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?Yes,risk factors for ABD

    • Blood sugar for DM
    • Serum albumin for malnutrition

    Evidence of vascular calcifications

    • Lateral abdominal X-ray
    • Echo
    • Pain radiography of the hands
    • CAC score

    Biomarkers of bone turn over if you have it available

    • tAPT/ bAPT( Alkaline phosphatase)
    • P1NP
    • Scerostin
    • TRAP-5b

    C- Suggest the most likely management plan.-This will largely depends on the risk factors for ABD;

    • Look for calcium-based phosphate binders/ VDRA , and stop them
    • Look for dialysate Ca content and make sure it is 1.25 to 1.50 mmol/l maximum
    • Look for any aluminum source specially in drugs and food preparation and avoid them
    • Encourage physical activity if possible
    • Reduce BMI if obese
    • Avoid alcohol & smoking
    • Monitor Ca, PO4, & iPTH as per KDIGO guidelines
    • Wait & see
  • Elsayed Ghorab


    the lab revealed
    Hyperphosphatemia
    upper border of calcium level
    PTH accepted as normal no 2ry HPTH
    SO the no need to calcitriol >> may lead to more suppression of PTH
    and Hyper calcemia
    Start non calcium phosphate binder
    management plan
    bone assessment to rule out adynamic bone disease
    x-ray and DEXA , renal biopsy
    and follow up ca , pi , vit D and PTH

  • Mark Nagy Zaki Amin Mark


    A- there is no need for calcitriol therapy for this patient as he has high normal calcium and increased po4 level with oversuppressed PTH which will be exaggerated by Vit D therapy
    B- Dexa scan – Pan CT to exclude malignancy – 25 (OH) vit D assay
    C- stop any calcium supplementation
    use non calcium non AL containing po4 binders
    avoid calcitriol therapy
    use low dialysate calcium in HD
    calcium restriction in diet
    avoid calcemimetics

  • Ibrahim Omar


    A) Appraise the need for calcitriol therapy in this patient

    • it is absolutely contra-indicated as there is both calcium and phosphate loading together with low PTH.
    • he is at a very high risk of cardiovascular calcifications.

    B) Do you suggest any other work-up for this patient?

    • Alkaline phosphatase.
    • ECHO.
    • X-ray of upper or lower limbs for evidence of vascular calcification.

    C) Suggest the most likely management plan.

    • adequate hemodialysis. more than 3 sessions/week OR daily nocturnal hemodialysis modality as home hemodialysis.
    • low-phosphate diet.
    • avoid any calcium or vitamin D derivatives.
    • follow-up of these laboratory parameters

Leave a Reply