Effect of lanthanum carbonate on the progression of coronary artery calcification in hemodialysis patients: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction Coronary artery calcification and cardiac abnormalities are common in hemodialysis patients. The value of lanthanum carbonate over calcium-based phosphate binders in managing the progression of coronary artery calcification is debated. We reviewed all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the two strategies in these patients. Methods RCTs comparing lanthanum carbonate with calcium-based phosphate binders used in adult hemodialysis patients were identified in the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal, and Wanfang databases. Findings Ten RCTs involving 687 patients were suitable for inclusion. Compared with calcium-based phosphate binders, lanthanum carbonate yielded lower coronary artery calcium scores (weighted mean difference, WMD: -74.28, 95% CI: -149.89, 1.33), change in coronary artery calcium scores (WMD: -105.18, 95% CI: -113.83, -96.53), and left ventricular mass index (WMD: -29.95, 95% CI: -54.25, -7.45). Lanthanum carbonate was significantly associated with lower levels of serum phosphate (WMD: -0.18, 95% CI: -0.26, -0.10), calcium (WMD: -0.22, 95% CI: -0.25, -0.20), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) (standard mean difference: -3.78, 95% CI: -5.60, -1.96) but not intact parathyroid hormone (WMD: -4.23, 95% CI: -64.12, 55.65). Moreover, a reduced risk of nonfatal cardiovascular events (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10-0.97) but not all-cause mortality (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.39-3.01) in lanthanum carbonate therapy was observed. Discussion In hemodialysis patients, lanthanum carbonate therapy may impede the progression of coronary artery calcification and left ventricular mass index and lead to reduced serum phosphate, calcium, FGF23, and nonfatal cardiovascular events compared with calcium-based phosphate binders. However, more well-designed RCTs are required for confirmation.

Automated summary

Lanthanum carbonate therapy in hemodialysis patients may help slow the progression of coronary artery calcification and left ventricular mass index, reduce serum phosphate, calcium, and FGF23 levels, and decrease the risk of nonfatal cardiovascular events. Further well-designed RCTs are needed for confirmation.