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In most patients with hypertensive nephropathy and low glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the kidney function progressively declines despite the adequate control of the hypertension with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. Previously we found that 2 years of oral sodium citrate slowed GFR decline in patients whose estimated GFR (eGFR) was very low (mean 33 ml/min). This treatment also slowed GFR decline in an animal model of surgically reduced nephron mass. Here, we tested if daily oral sodium bicarbonate slowed GFR decline in patients with hypertensive nephropathy with reduced but relatively preserved eGFR (mean 75 ml/min) in a 5-year, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, and blinded interventional study. Patients matched for age, ethnicity, albuminuria, and eGFR received daily placebo or equimolar sodium chloride or bicarbonate while maintaining antihypertensive regimens (including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition) aiming for their recommended blood pressure targets. After 5 years, the rate of eGFR decline, estimated using plasma cystatin C, was slower and eGFR was higher in patients given sodium bicarbonate than in those given placebo or sodium chloride. Thus, our study shows that in hypertensive nephropathy, daily sodium bicarbonate is an effective kidney protective adjunct to blood pressure control along with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is commonly, if not universally, associated with derangements in bone and mineral metabolism, characterized by hyperphosphatemia, low calcitriol levels, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The spectrum of these disorders is termed renal osteodystrophy or chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disease complex. Aggressive phosphorus control is the cornerstone of management to prevent debilitating complications. Dietary control, phosphate binders, and administration of active vitamin D analogues is the most common initial therapy. Frequently parathyroidectomy is required to reverse or slow the pathological changes when medical management fails. The most common adverse effect of parathyroidectomy is hypocalcemia. We describe a case report of severe hypocalcemia (secondary to surgical hypoparathyroidism) and “hungry bone syndrome,” treated successfully with teriparatide (Forteo®) in a patient who underwent renal transplantation following subtotal parathyroidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]