Under embargo until June 2 , 2014 , 09 : 30 local time ! LATE BREAKING CLINICAL TRIALS Hyperparathyroidism : Medical or Surgical Treatment ?

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is commonly encountered in conjunction with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is believed that over the course of their severe renal insufficiency more than 90% of dialysis patients develop sHPT – although to varying degrees [1]. An elevated serum level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the characteristic feature of this condition. The clinical manifestations of sHPT are not inconsiderable: It may lead to osteodystrophia, a condition that entails bone pain and increased fracture risk. However, the cardiovascular complications are far more serious: Elevated levels of PTH are associated with vascular calcification and with an increased risk of cardiovascular events [2] – and therefore also with increased mortality [3].