Impact of denosumab on cardiovascular calcification in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing dialysis: a pilot study

C. L. Chen, N. C. Chen, F. Z. Wu, M. T. Wu*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

Summary: The receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL)/RANK/osteoprotegerin system is dysregulated in hyperparathyroid bone diseases. The introduction of denosumab preceding elective surgery as an alternative option when surgery is not possible immediately. Introduction: The effects of denosumab on vascular calcification in patients with chronic renal failure and low bone mass have been a subject of interest. Therefore, this investigation aimed to determine the short-term changes in vascular calcification after denosumab treatment using a serial electrocardiography-gated computed tomography (CT) to measure coronary artery calcification (CAC) in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and low bone mass. Methods: This 6-month study enrolled patients with SHPT and low bone mass (T-score < − 2.5) owing to dialysis. The 2 groups administered denosumab at a dose of 60 mg (denosumab group), and conventional treatment (control group) had 21 patients each. All patients underwent CT scans at baseline and at the follow-up examination at 6 months to determine the bone mineral density and CAC. Results: The control group demonstrated a significant increase in Agatston scores (187.79 ± 72.27) (P = 0.004). However, no significant change was noted in the denosumab group (P = 0.41). In the denosumab group, only the baseline serum alkaline phosphatase levels correlated negatively with changes in the CAC score (P = 0.01); the baseline alkaline phosphatase levels were the deciding biomarkers for non-responsive CAC scores by Berry Criteria after denosumab treatment (P = 0.02). The denosumab group demonstrated significantly increased bone mineral density in the femoral neck and lumbar spine (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings provide evidence that denosumab may suppress the progression of CAC and also regress osseous calcification in severe cases of high bone turnover.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1507-1516
Number of pages10
JournalOsteoporosis International
Volume31
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2020

Keywords

  • Denosumab
  • Secondary hyperparathyroidism
  • Vascular calcification

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Impact of denosumab on cardiovascular calcification in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing dialysis: a pilot study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this