The use of phosphate binders: data from contributors to the European Practice Database.

Data of the European Practice Database (EPD) were used to investigate the use of phosphate binders in the European HD population. A cross-sectional observation among five participating countries of the cycle 2 study revealed that most patients used phosphate binders and many of them used more than one agent. Calcium-based products were most frequently used (55% of HD patients) followed by sevelamer (37%). There was a wide variation between different countries in the kind of phosphates that were used. Renal dietitians advised regularly on therapy adjustment for calcium/phosphorus metabolism in one third of European centres and their involvement is increasing.