title: Vitamin D in kidney disease: pathophysiology and the utility of treatment.
abstract: CKD is associated with decreased vitamin D metabolites, both the storage form 25(OH)D and the active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This contributes to hyperparathyroidism, and increased levels of PTH mobilize minerals from the skeleton and increase the risk for fractures. Treatment with vitamin D sterols efficiently reduces secondary hyperparathyroidism of CKD. Observational studies suggest survival and other potential benefits of vitamin D treatment in the CKD population. These observations need to be verified with controlled prospective trials.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nephrology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA. qazir@SLU.EDU
authors.forename: Rizwan A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Qazi
authors.forename: Kevin J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Martin