Hyperphosphatemia. The hidden killer in chronic kidney disease

Saudi Med J. 2015 Jan;36(1):13-9. doi: 10.15537/smj.2015.1.9843.

Abstract

Hyperphosphatemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. The association between hyperphosphatemia and increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease/vascular calcification has been well established for a long time. This review explores the new aspects of pathogenesis of vascular calcification, as demonstrated by recent advances showing a recognized regulating role of phosphorus in vascular smooth muscle cell calcification. This novel mechanism may help in finding a new pharmacological therapy to reduce, or prevent blood vessel calcification. Furthermore, recent experimental and clinical studies involved in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia are reviewed in this article.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality*
  • Humans
  • Hyperphosphatemia / complications*
  • Hyperphosphatemia / therapy
  • Parathyroid Hormone / blood
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / blood
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / complications*
  • Risk Factors
  • Vascular Calcification / etiology*

Substances

  • Parathyroid Hormone