The Impact of Paricalcitol on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality are significantly higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mineral metabolism disorders, such as hyper-phosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and vitamin D deficiency, have been deeply associated not only with bone disease, but also with vascular calcification and CV disease. In addition, the decrease in vitamin D production stimulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, resulting in vasoconstriction and salt and water retention, which further promotes arterial stiffening. Several studies have shown that supplementation with vitamin D ameliorates some of these issues and is associated with improved survival. However, vitamin D also elevates serum levels of calcium and phosphorus. Selective vitamin D receptor (VDR) activators, such as paricalcitol, provide similar efficacy but are not associated with elevated serum concentrations of calcium and phosphorus. By selectively activating VDR, paricalcitol should enhance cardiorenal protection and provide significant clinical benefit. Therefore, paricalcitol may offer a novel and interesting approach to supplement and potentially enhance the standard of care in CKD patients. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel