Calcification of lungs

Hello Doctors:

I have been on P.D. Dialysis for approximately 10 years. I have had trouble keeping my Phosphorus levels in my blood under control for approximately 8 years. During these last 2 years, I have had GREAT results with a drug called Sensipar and now, my phosphorus is under control. During the last 6 years, I have been battling calcification in the base of both of my lungs. I am on Oxygen Therapy because of the calcification. I am just wondering if there are any new developments about calcification in the lungs out there or, if you any of you Doctors can suggest any additional information for me to explore with my Pulmonologist to promote my breathing? I appreciate any information you can provide.

Sincerely,

EdieV_a

[National Jewish Health]

Peritoneal and vascular calcinosis can occur with peritoneal dialysis, as has lung calcification.  I found one article that described “improvement” of peritoneal calcification following surgical removal of the parathyroid glands and another that suggested an inverse relationship between degree of calcinosis and serum magnesium levels.  Based on this, it was suggested that the administration of magnesium carbonate might be beneficial.  These reports were published several years ago and new information on each might be available but I could not find it. You might want to ask your kidney specialist about this.

There is no treatment for existent lung calcium deposits.  Any treatment that could slow the rate of calcification would be worthy of consideration.  It would be important to optimally treat any other lung disease that could further compromise your breathing.

Good luck.