Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) starts to rise very early in the course of kidney disease. As kidney disease progresses, plasma levels of vitamin D and calcium begin to decline, thus contributing to greater secretion of PTH. In addition, the retention of phosphate further increases PTH secretion independent of calcium and vitamin D levels. Continued stimulation of PTH secretion leads to irreversible parathyroid gland hyperplasia.Objectives: To me...