Targeting serum calcium in chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease: is normal too high?

Hypocalcemia is common in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and it is standard practice to correct this back to the normal range, presumably to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia and help control hyperparathyroidism. However, there are few studies to support this approach, and recent data suggest that this promotes vascular calcification and adynamic bone disease. Whether setting a lower target will improve outcomes has not been tested, but existing data suggest that this may have minimal risks and substantial potential benefits and should be explored.