Efficacy and Safety of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Device to Treat Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Efficacy and Safety of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Device to Treat Uncontrolled Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Chronic Haemodialysis Patients

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those who are undergoing long-term haemodialysis treatment. sHPT is characterized by persistently elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and major disturbances in phosphorus and calcium metabolism. When glomerular filtration rate (GFR) falls, the phosphorus clearance decreases significantly, leading to phosphorus retention. The resulting hyperphosphatemia is thought to be one of the principal causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism which is a very early complication of patients with CKD. Its diagnosis and treatment is crucial in the management of such patients.The treatment of the sHPT of CKD's patient includes dietary phosphate restriction, the use of phosphate binders, correction of hypocalcaemia, the use of vitamin D and its derivatives. The calcimimetic agent cinacalcet hydrochloride may be also used in combination with vitamin D. While the majority of patients can be controlled in this way, medical therapy is not always successful in achieving adequate control of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Oral medications (calcimimetics, recently developed phosphate binders, and active vitamin D derivatives amount to very high monthly costs, and have efficacy limitations as well as side-effects.

HIFU may become a valuable alternative treatment that help control secondary hyperparathyroidism in selected patients presenting with enlarged parathyroid gland(s) visible at ultrasonography,.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HIFU treatment in chronic haemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism presenting with enlarged parathyroid gland(s) which are visible at ultrasonography and for whom medical therapy has been unsuccessful.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patients 18 years or older with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on thrice-weekly stable haemodialysis since at least 3 months with biochemically uncontrolled secondary hyperparathyroidism.
• PTH > 800 pg/ml with serum calcium > 8.4 mg/dl shown by three measurements obtained within a 30-day screening period, in spite of established maintenance dose for at least 3 months of Cinacalcet (>30mg/day) with or without vitamin D .
• Patients who underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy or total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation and have recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism, are eligible provided that they meet all the other inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria.
• Patients with one or two enlarged parathyroid glands, located with ultrasonography and with one or two over-active glands at sestamibi scintigraphy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Primary or Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism (hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation).
• Serum total calcium (corrected for albumin) < 8.4 mg/dl (2.1 mmol/l)
• Serum ionized calcium < 1 mmo/l.
• Patient who underwent total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation.
• Known history of parathyroid or other neoplasias in the neck region.
• History of neck irradiation
• Patients with abnormal vocal cord mobility revealed by indirect laryngoscopy
• Patients with enlarged parathyroid glands, not accessible to HIFU treatment.
• Head and/or neck disease that prevents hyperextension of neck. - Major surgery or arterio-venous fistula clotting in the last 3 months or major surgery projected in the subsequent 4 months.
• Pregnant or lactating woman.
• Patients whose concurrent illnesses, disability, or geographical residence would hamper attendance at required study visit.
• Patient receiving drugs such as flecainide, thioridazine, and most tricyclic antidepressants.
• Patients who are currently participating in another clinical trial.