We conducted a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study at 8?geographically diverse at-risk facilities (n = 702 hemodialysis patients) in a large U.S. dialysis organization. The focused phosphorus management program provided in-service training to staff members, and provided patients with diet and phosphorus management through in-center, 1:1 education and support, direct-to-patient adherence communications, benefit management assistance, and adherence support specific to lanthanum carbonate over a 6-month period.
Facility-level markers of bone and mineral metabolism (phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, corrected calcium) and nutritional status (serum albumin, normalized protein catabolic rate) were assessed before and after program implementation.
There was a significant increase in the percentage of patients per facility achieving phosphorus levels <5.5 mg/dL (mean ¡À SD at baseline = 61.6 % ¡À 5.2 % ; month 6 = 71.3 % ¡À 9.0 % ; P < .01) and parathyroid hormone (150 to 300 pg/mL; mean ¡À SD at baseline = 39.1 % ¡À 2.4 % ; month 6 = 44.5 % ¡À 7.0 % ; P = .04). During the course of the evaluation, mean calcium, albumin, and normalized protein catabolic rate levels did not change significantly.
These results show proof-of-concept that a focused phosphorus management program targeting both staff members and patients can significantly improve patient outcomes without compromising nutritional status.