Sevelamer hydrochloride: an effective phosphate binder in dialyzed children

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Abstract
This pilot study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of sevelamer hydrochloride as a phosphate binder in pediatric patients treated with dialysis. A 6-month open-label trial of sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel) was initiated in 17 patients, aged 11.8±3.7 years, undergoing hemodialysis (n=3) or peritoneal dialysis (n=14). Following a 2-week washout period of the phosphate binders, serum phosphorus increased from 5.2±1.3 mg/dl to 7.5±2.2 mg/dl (PPP<0.01); values remained unchanged thereafter. The serum calcium-phosphorus ion product decreased during the first 8 weeks and values did not change subsequently. Serum bicarbonate, parathyroid hormone, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels did not change. The initial prescribed dose of sevelamer hydrochloride was 121±50 mg/kg (4.5±5 g/day) and the final prescribed dose was 163±46 mg/kg (6.7±2.4 g/day). Sevelamer hydrochloride was well tolerated and without adverse effects related to the drug.