[Vascular Calcification - Pathological Mechanism and Clinical Application - . The effect of phosphate binders on vascular calcification].

Vascular calcification is the abnormality in chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) that directly affects the prognosis in relation with cardiovascular diseases. Phosphate binders (PB) are widely used to prevent hyperphosphatemia that can lead to vascular calcification. Two types of PB are available ; calcium (Ca) -based PB and non-Ca-based PB. Non-Ca-based PB has been shown to retard the progression of vascular calcification, while there is a great concern that Ca overload can promote calcification. Moreover, the newer non-Ca-based PBs have been developed including iron and magnesium. We must pay attention to select proper types of PB with costs, pill burdens and specific circumstances observed in Japan.