Bone Biopsy Study For Dialysis Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism of End Stage Renal Disease

Secondary HPT is common in people with end stage renal disease (kidney disease). Patients
with secondary HPT often have high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and may have large
parathyroid glands in the neck. Patients with secondary HPT may have bone disease
(osteodystrophy). This bone disease may cause bone pain, fractures, and poor formation of
red blood cells. Other problems from secondary HPT may include increases in blood levels of
calcium and phosphorus. These may cause calcium to deposit in body tissues. Calcium
deposits can cause arthritis, muscle inflammation, itching, gangrene, or heart and lung
problems. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of cinacalcet on bone
function and bone cells in patients with kidney disease who are receiving dialysis.
Cinacalcet has been used to decrease PTH levels in patients with secondary HPT.