Prevalence and determinants of parathyroid dysfunction in elderly patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to investigate underlying factors of parathyroid dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

METHODS

A total of 286 patients on maintenance hemodialysis were included. Hemoglobin, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum calcium, serum phosphorus (P), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and serum albumin (Alb) were measured and analyzed both before and after dialysis.

RESULTS

A higher incidence of low iPTH level (<150 pg/l) was observed in the elderly group than that in the non-elderly group (55.8 vs. 36.7%, p < 0.05). Elderly patients had a shorter dialysis duration, lighter dry weight, lower concentrations of BUN, Scr, P, iPTH, Alb and standard protein nitrogen present rate (nPNA) compared to that of non-elderly group patients (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Low iPTH level occurs more frequently in elderly hemodialysis patients. Furthermore, age, serum P, serum Alb and nPNA were independently associated with a low iPTH level.