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©2013 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
Lowering vascular calcification burden in chronic kidney disease: Is it possible?
Sinee Disthabanchong, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Sinee Disthabanchong, Division of Nephrology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63110, United States
Author contributions: Disthabanchong S solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Sinee Disthabanchong, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital,Mahidol University, Phayathai, 270 Rama VI Rd, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. sineemd@hotmail.com
Telephone: +66-2-2011116 Fax: +66-2-2011400
Received: April 23, 2013
Revised: May 21, 2013
Accepted: July 17, 2013
Published online: August 6, 2013
Processing time: 135 Days and 12 Hours
Revised: May 21, 2013
Accepted: July 17, 2013
Published online: August 6, 2013
Processing time: 135 Days and 12 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: High prevalence of atherosclerosis and arterial calcification in chronic kidney disease is far beyond the explanation by common cardiovascular risk factors. Phosphate retention, excess of calcium and prolonged dialysis vintage also contribute to the development of vascular calcification. Current therapies available include non-calcium containing phosphate binders, low dose active vitamin D and calcimimetic agent. The role of bisphosphonates is unclear. Preliminary data on sodium thiosulfate are promising. Several randomized studies revealed the lack of benefit of statin in lowering vascular calcification.