Bone Mass and Strength After Kidney Transplantation

A Comparative Trial of Calcitriol Versus Placebo for the Preservation of Bone Mass and Strength After Kidney Transplantation

The purpose of this study is to test whether active vitamin D (calcitriol) protects bones from weakening and protects blood vessels from calcium deposits over the first year of kidney transplantation.

Kidney transplant recipients at highest fracture risk, as determined by epidemiologic studies (Caucasians and older recipients). Rocaltrol (calcitriol) is a synthetic vitamin D analog which is active in the regulation of the absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract and its utilization in the body.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age older than 18
• Self-describes as White race

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lower extremity amputations
• Non-ambulatory
• Paget´s disease of bone
• Current hyperthyroidism, untreated hypothyroidism
• Medical diseases (end stage liver, intestinal malabsorption)
• Use within the prior year pod anti-seizure medications that induce the cytochrome P450 system, testosterone, estrogen, selective estrogen receptor modulators
• Weight >300 pounds
• Dual organ transplant
• Myocardial infarction or stroke
• Tobacco use within the past year