Effects of sevelamer and calcium on coronary artery calcification in patients new to hemodialysis

New hemodialysis patients with no evidence of coronary calcification showed little evidence of disease development over 18 months independent of phosphate binder therapy. However, subjects with evidence of at least mild coronary calcification had significant progression at 6, 12, and 18 months. Use of calcium containing phosphate binders resulted in more rapid progression of coronary calcification than did use of sevelamer hydrochloride.