Higher dialysate calcium is not associated with mortality in hemodialysis patients: Results from the French ARNOS study

Finding the optimal dialysate calcium (DCa) in haemodialysis (HD) patients remains a therapeutic challenge. Besides, the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Pattern Study (DOFFS) has reported a greater mortality rate using higher DCa doses. The objective was to assess the impact of DCa prescription on survival. Baseline DCa prescriptions were recorded using a cross-sectional analysis of HD patients from the regional ARNOS French cohort. A prospective 42-month survival analysis study was performed. In July 2005, 1294 HD patients were included in this study. DCa at doses of 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75 mmol/L was prescribed in 13.6%, 74.1%, and 12.3% patients, respectively. Using a Cox proportional model adjusted for several parameters, DCa was found to be not significantly associated with survival. Patients receiving 1.75 mmol/L DCa were more frequently treated with online haemodiafiltration, cinacalcet, and shorter dialysis sessions; they had a more frequent history of parathyroidectomy and lower calcium levels. The DCa prescription remained stable after 12 months in 80% of cases. This is an observational study; therefore, only baseline data were recorded for analysis. Higher DCa concentration is not associated with mortality, in contrast to the findings by DOPPS. Prescribing DCa on an individual basis according to various mineral metabolism parameters and treatments appears to be safe irrespective of the DCa dosage. (C) 2012 Association Societe de nephrologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.