Vitamin D and its analogs in chronic renal failure

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a universal complica­ tion in patients with chronic renal failure. Abnormal vitamin D metabolism in chronic renal failure plays a key role in the development of secondary hyperpara­ thyroidism and renal osteodystrophy. In renal failure, a series of alterations characterized by abnormal produc­ tion, altered metabolism, decreased number of vitamin D receptors (VDR) and resistance to the action of vitamin D, are of the utmost importance in the pathophysiology of secondary hyperparathyroidism.