Chronic acid-base perturbations in hemodialysis patients treated with sevelamer hydrochloride: a two-year follow-up study.

Sevelamer hydrochloride (HCl) contains multiple amines that may cause a significant dietary acid load. To evaluate the impact of sevelamer on arterial blood gases, we followed two groups of stable hemodialysis patients for 24 months. The Sevelamer Group (n = 7) did not achieve the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) goals for phosporus and Ca x P product and was switched from a calcium-based to sevelamer-based regimen. The Calcium Group (n = 7) achieved those goals and remained on calcium salts. Following sevelamer administration, a deterioration of chronic metabolic acidosis was revealed, which lasted throughout the study. Sevelamer therapy was associated with reduced cholesterol levels, improved serum phosphate, and Ca x P product, which facilitated the management of secondary hyperparathyroidism. No significant changes in acid-base status or other parameter tested were found in the Control Group. In conclusion, sevelamer intake caused small but persistent acid-base disturbances, which did not neutralize sevelamer's beneficial effects on mineral and lipid metabolism.