Cinacalcet use in pediatric chronic kidney disease: A survey study

Authors

• Rafif A. Al-Ahmed, From the Paediatric Nephrology Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatrics (Al-Ahmed, Sheerah, Kari); from the Pediatrics Department (Kari), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah; and from the Pediatric Department (Alhasan), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Areej A. Sheerah, From the Paediatric Nephrology Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatrics (Al-Ahmed, Sheerah, Kari); from the Pediatrics Department (Kari), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah; and from the Pediatric Department (Alhasan), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Khalid A. Alhasan, From the Paediatric Nephrology Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatrics (Al-Ahmed, Sheerah, Kari); from the Pediatrics Department (Kari), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah; and from the Pediatric Department (Alhasan), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Jameela A. Kari, From the Paediatric Nephrology Center of Excellence, Department of Pediatrics (Al-Ahmed, Sheerah, Kari); from the Pediatrics Department (Kari), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah; and from the Pediatric Department (Alhasan), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the practice and attitude of pediatrics nephrologists about cinacalcet use in children. Methods: An electronic structured questionnaire was answered by pediatric nephrologists practicing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Gulf Council countries (GCC). Results: A total of 42 pediatric nephrologists responded, of them, 42% used cinacalcet for young children ≤5 years of age and 79% used for children. There were wide variations in the method of administration (examples: crushed, divided, whole tablets), monitoring, doses and response definition, and follow-up. No serious complications after starting cinacalcet was observed in 50%, while 40% reported various complications, mainly hypocalcemia (70%). Cinacalcet was stopped without achieving the target parathyroid hormone in more than half (55%) of children because of intractable adverse effects (40%), poor response (30%), non-adherence (25%), or high cost (5%). Conclusion: Cinacalcet is used by the majority of pediatric nephrologists in KSA and GCC. A standard clinical guideline is needed to be followed by all users.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

479

Last Page

484

Recommended Citation

Al-Ahmed, Rafif A.; Sheerah, Areej A.; Alhasan, Khalid A.; and Kari, Jameela A. (2020) "Cinacalcet use in pediatric chronic kidney disease: A survey study," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 41: Iss. 5, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2020.5.25072