Target phosphate and calcium levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a post-hoc analysis of the LANDMARK study

Background It is necessary to re-examine the optimal phosphate (P) and calcium (Ca) target values in the contemporary management of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder to reduce the risks of cardiovascular events in patients receiving hemodialysis. Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis of the LANDMARK study. The outcomes were defined as cardiovascular events and all-cause death. Data from 2135 patients receiving hemodialysis at risk of vascular calcification were analyzed using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for background factors. Results On the hazard ratio (HR) curve, the ranges where the lower 95% confidence interval (CI) were below the minimum of HR (= 1.00) were as follows: P = 3.5-5.5 mg/dL; albumin-adjusted Ca < 9.1 mg/dL for cardiovascular events; and P = 3.6-5.3 mg/dL; albumin-adjusted Ca < 9.1 mg/dL for all-cause mortality. In stratified analysis, the HRs for cardiovascular events in P < 3.5 mg/dL and P >= 5.5 mg/dL were similar to that of P = 3.5-5.5 mg/dL (P >= 0.05), and albumin-adjusted Ca >= 9.1 mg/dL had higher HR than values < 9.1 mg/dL [1.30 (95% CI 1.00-1.68; P = 0.046)]. For all-cause mortality, the HR in P < 3.6 mg/dL was higher than that in P = 3.6-5.3 mg/dL [1.76 (95% CI 1.25-2.48; P = 0.001)], while the HRs between P >= 5.3 mg/dL and P = 3.6-5.3 mg/dL as well as those between albumin-adjusted Ca >= 9.1 and < 9.1 mg/dL were not significantly different (P >= 0.05). Conclusions Managing albumin-adjusted Ca < 9.1 mg/dL may reduce the cardiovascular risk among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Hypophosphatemia < 3.6 mg/dL may be associated with mortality.

Automated summary

According to a post-hoc analysis, maintaining albumin-adjusted calcium levels below 9.1 mg/dL may reduce the cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing hemodialysis, while hypophosphatemia (<3.6 mg/dL) may be associated with mortality.