Effect of intravenous 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 on secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis

The effect of intravenous 1 alpha(OH)D3 on circulating intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) and COOH-terminal immunoreactive PTH was examined in 21 patients on chronic hemodialysis. The patients were treated for 3 months with increasing doses of 1 alpha(OH)D3 under careful control of serum Ca2+. 1 alpha(OH)D3 was given intravenously at doses of up to 4 micrograms three times a week, and blood samples were obtained every week, including 1 week before treatment (basal control). No patients were treated with oral vitamin D metabolites. At the end of the study intact PTH levels were reduced by an average of 67 +/- 6%, and COOH-terminal immunoreactive PTH levels were reduced by 35 +/- 6%. Serum Ca2+ was kept within normal levels, but showed a slight increase from 1.17 to 1.30 mmol/l. An effect of calcium on PTH secretion could not be excluded, but an effect of 1 alpha(OH)D3, independent of serum Ca2+ was also found. This effect may be mediated by 1,25(OH)2D3, assuming a large capacity of the 25-hydroxylase in the liver to convert 1 alpha(OH)D3 to 1,25(OH)2D3. Also, the parathyroid glands may possess receptors for 1 alpha(OH)D3 with an effect similar to that established for the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptors. Thus, although the exact mechanisms of the action of 1 alpha(OH)D3 have not yet been completely clarified, it is concluded that intravenous administration of 1 alpha(OH)D3 may be of benefit in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism of uremia.