Effect of sevelamer on mineral and lipid abnormalities in hemodialysis patients.

We conducted a prospective study in hemodialysis patients to assess the safety and efficacy of sevelamer, a non-absorbable phosphate binding polymer free of calcium and aluminum, in lowering serum phosphorus, serum intact parathyroid hormone, and serum lipids. Phosphate binders were discontinued during a two-week washout period. We considered the patients with serum phosphorus levels more than 1.8 mmol/l during the washout period eligible for treatment. Sevelamer was administered to 29 hemodialysis patients for eight weeks. Sevelamer reduced the mean serum phosphorus levels to 1.8 mmol/l by the end of the eight-week treatment period (p < 0.0001). Two weeks after the completion of the sevelamer study the mean serum phosphorus levels increased to 2.09 mmol/l (p < 0.02). Mean serum calcium levels did not significantly change during sevelamer trial. Mean serum intact parathyroid hormone declined from 501 pg/ml at the start of the study to 425 pg/l at the end of the eight week treatment period (p = 0.05). In addition, sevelamer reduced the mean serum total cholesterol levels from 5.22 mmol/l to 4.26 mmol/l (p < 0.0001), and the mean serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol from 3.56 mmol/l to 2.79 mmol/l (p < 0.0001) at the end of the study. However, the mean serum levels of high density lipoprotein and triglycerides did not change during the study period. We conclude that sevelamer can control serum phosphorus and reduce the level of intact parathyroid hormone and cholesterol without inducing hypercalcemia or other side effects.