To the Editor:
In the Quick Recertification Series update for hyperparathyroidism (HPT), which was published in October 2009 (page 53), cinacalcet (Sensipar) is recommended as treatment for secondary HPT. As a PA who treats secondary HPT every day, I know that Sensipar is not the treatment of choice. My patients cannot receive Sensipar until they are on dialysis. If fact, the FDA insert for Sensipar states this quite unequivocally.
Kim Zuber, PAC
Chair, National Kidney Foundation/Council for Advanced Practitioners
Editor's response:
The last bullet item under Treatment in the Hyperparathyroidism section of the Quick Recertification Series article published in September 2009 (page 53) should read as follows:
● Cinacalcet (Sensipar), an oral calcimimetic that lowers calcium and PTH levels, may be used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and those with hypercalcemia of malignancy. It is not recommended for the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism.
Please see the online version for the corrected article in its entirety.
The Editors