Services
Mercy Dialysis Center
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Use this information only under the advice of a physician
Healthy kidneys help maintain normal calcium and phosphorus levels with
the help of parathyroid hormone(PTH). This hormone is produced in four small
glands in your neck. Parathyroid hormone, along with a special form of Vitamin
D produced in the kidney, help regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in
the blood.
PTH and Bone Disease
When the kidneys are diseased or damaged, this process gets out of balance.
The kidneys no longer are able to produce Vitamin D. As a result, the PTH glands
start working over-time to try to correct the imbalance. The PTH glands produce
a signal that allows calcium to be drawn out of the bones to supply calcium
in the blood. If this process goes on for months or years, it can lead to weak,
brittle bones.
PTH and Calciphylaxis
Another problem, which can occur when calcium and phosphorus are out of balance,
is that the calcium that is drawn out of the bones can be deposited in the
blood vessels, the heart, the joints, and soft tissues. This process, called
calciphylaxis, can cause a hardening of these tissues - similar to hardening
of the arteries.
Know Your PTH Level
Every three months the dialysis center checks your PTH level. You will need
to check this against your goal for PTH. If your level is not in this range,
you can help correct this by working hard to keep your dietary phosphorus
level in balance. Follow your low phosphorus meal plan guidelines. In addition,
you may be given a form of Vitamin D to help correct this imbalance. This
may be in the form of a pill (Rocaltrol), or it may be given through the
dialysis machine (Calcijex, Zemplar,or Hectoral). If the calcium or phosphorus
levels are too high, Vitamin D can not be given - so it is very important
to work on dietary control first.
