Method of Safely and Effectively Treating and Preventing Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

A method of treating and preventing secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD by increasing or maintaining blood concentrations of both 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin Din a patient by administering 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 with or without 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and, as necessary, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 as a Vitamin D hormone replacement therapy.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 913,850 filed Apr. 25, 2007, is hereby claimed.BACKGROUND

[0002] Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a disorder which develops primarily because of Vitamin D deficiency. It is characterized by abnormally elevated blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and, in the absence of early detection and treatment, it becomes associated with parathyroid gland hyperplasia and a constellation of metabolic bone diseases. It is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with rising incidence as CKD progresses. Secondary hyperparathyroidism can also develop in individuals with healthy kidneys, due to environmental, cultural or dietary factors which prevent adequate Vitamin D supply.

[0003] “Vitamin D” is a term that refers broadly to the organic substances named

[0004] Vitamin D2, Vitamin D3, Vitamin D4, etc., and to their metabolites and hormonal forms that influ...