New therapies: calcimimetics, phosphate binders and vitamin D receptor activators

Cinacalcet administration by gastrostomy tube in a child receiving peritoneal dialysis

A 2-year-old male with chronic kidney disease with secondary hyperparathyroidism developed hypercalcemia while receiving calcitriol, without achieving a serum parathyroid hormone concentration within the goal range. Cinacalcet 15 mg (1.2 mg/kg), crushed and administered via gastrostomy tube, was added to the patient's therapy. This therapy was effective in achieving targeted laboratory parameters in our patient despite instructions in the prescribing information that cinacalcet should always be taken whole.