[Online hemodiafiltration in children and hypoparathyroidism: a single-centre series of cases].

BACKGROUND

Due to technical requirements and cost, hemodiafiltration (HDF) is not widely used in pediatrics. We have been using online HDF (oHDF) since 2009 and we observed low parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels despite the accurate management of CKD-MBD.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical charts and parameters of mineral metabolism assessed on a before/after session basis in the 6 children undergoing chronic oHDF in our centre.

RESULTS

We observed low (<80pg/mL) PTH levels in all 6 patients and very low (<45pg/mL) PTH levels in 5, two of them presenting with pathological fractures. These low PTH levels were reversed after decreasing calcium concentration to 1.25 mmol/L in the dialysate, suggesting that high-efficiency oHDF may expose children to calcium during sessions in a too important amount when using 1.5 mmol/L dialysates. Last, C-terminal FGF23 levels before sessions were relatively low (<1600RU/mL), with a 32% clearance by oHDF.

CONCLUSION

PTH levels should be closely monitored in pediatric oHDF and solutions with a calcium concentration of 1.25 mmol/L should be used as first line in these patients.