Comparison of Phosphate Lowering Properties of Calcium Acetate and Calcium Carbonate in Hemodialysis Patients

Hyperphosphatemia has an important role in the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone disease in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The most effective method of phosphate elimination lies with phosphate binders, the agent that more commonly used, calcium carbonate, is not an ideal binding agent. In this regard, calcium acetate has been reported to have more or at least a similar phosphate binding efficacy and less pronounced hypercalcemic effect. However, this subject is still a matter of controversy. This study was designed to compare the efficiency of these salts. Preparation of calcium acetate and comparison of the phosphate binding power and hypercalcemic effect of calcium acetate with that of calcium carbonate in hemodialysis patients. Thirty stable ESRD patients undergoing regular hemodialysis for mean 4.23 years (SD 3.63) were studied. Half of the patients were started on calcium acetate for a month. Then, after two weeks wash out period, they received calcium carbonate for a month. The others followed an inverse protocol. Results. 24 patients completed the study. A significant decrease in plasma phosphate levels was only observed after treatment with calcium acetate [6.65 mg/dL (SD 1.38) vs. 5.83 mg/dL (SD 1.55) p < 0.05]. Calcium acetate may be a better choice in handling of hyperphophatemia in ESRD patients and when calcium acetate is used, control of hyperphophatemia can be better achieved with a lower risk of hypercalcemia.