Abstract

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been shown to enhance erythrocyte osmotic fragility and has been incriminated as a factor in the anemia seen in patients with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The possible relationship between erythrocyte osmotic fragility and secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure was examined in 20 uremic pediatric patients on maintenance peritoneal dialysis. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was evaluated by means of serum biochemistry (parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphates). We found that erythrocyte osmotic fragility values in patients on peritoneal dialysis were normal. There were no significant correlations between erythrocyte osmotic fragility and hematochemical changes associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism. This study indicates that osmotic fragility not altered in children on peritoneal dialysis and secondary HPT is probably not a major factor influencing RBC osmotic fragility in PD patients.

We conclude that excess parathyroid hormone levels do not affect erythrocyte osmotic fragility and do not cause anemia