Aims of the multi-center, randomized, treatment-controlled clinical trial are to compare the efficacy of sevelamer hydrochloride to calcium-containing phosphorus binders in reducing the rate of progression of femoral and carotid intimal media thickness (IMT) thickening as measured by B-mode ultrasound in stable maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Serum phosphorus (P) is frequently elevated in HD patients. Serum P stimulates PTH synthesis and is associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Use of calcium(Ca)-containing phosphorus-binders is an exogenous source of Ca that can elevate the CaxP product. In HD patients, an ultrasonographically-demonstrated increase in intima media thickness of the carotid artery has been associated with elevated serum P levels.Peripheral arterial vascular disease (PVD) accounts for significant mortality and morbidity in HD patients.

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of sevelamer hydrochloride to calcium-containing phosphorus binders in reducing the rate of progression of femoral and carotid intimal media thickness (IMT) thickening as measured by B-mode ultrasound in stable HD patients.

Subject randomization numbers was provided by the Epidemiology and Research Unit, E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel. After meeting all inclusion criteria, subjects were randomized to one of two treatment groups: Renagel or calcium carbonate. Prior to receiving treatment, baseline femoral and carotid IMT were measured, medical and pharmaceutical history was documented, nutrition assessment was undertaken and midweek blood chemistry and blood count were measured. No change in patient medication prescription was required during this study, with the exception of phosphorus binders. All other concomitant medications were continued. During the year of the study, routine monthly blood tests were obtained for chemistry, blood count, and PTH was measured once every 4 months.

After a year of treatment, femoral and carotid IMT were measured again, midweek blood chemistry and blood count were measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HD Patients aged 40-75 years inclusive if they received HD treatment three times each week for not less than three months, and if they had not been treated with sevelamer hydrochloride. Patients of both genders, without regard to diabetes status, history of CVD or underlying renal disease were eligible.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients receiving treatment with sevelamer hydrochloride were not eligible for study participation. Additionally, patients were excluded if they had active liver disease, known sensitivity to either sevelamer hydrochloride or calcum carbonate or if their participation in the study was deemed in any way detrimental or unwarranted by the patient's treating physician.