2007/005 NICE issues guidance on treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with kidney disease

NICE has issued guidance on the use of cinacalcet in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance dialysis therapy.

Hyperparathyroidism is the excessive production of parathyroid hormone - a hormone which controls the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (when hyperparathyroidism is caused by another condition, such as kidney disease) is associated with bone disease and calcification of arteries and soft tissue, which can lead to other complications. Almost all people who need dialysis because of kidney disease have secondary hyperparathyroidism. Cinacalcet reduces the amount of parathyroid hormone produced, which also results in lower calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.