In renal insufficiency, calcium absorption is reduced and leads to increased bone resorption, a condition referred to as renal osteodystrophy. Treatment with which of the following can assist in the amelioration of the symptoms of this condition?

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Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, helps increase calcium absorption from the gut, which can help counteract the effects of renal osteodystrophy by reducing bone resorption. Calcitriol [1,25-(OH)₂-D] is the hormonally active form of vitamin D and functions in concert with PTH and calcitonin to regulate serum calcium and phosphorous levels. The major function of calcitriol is the induction of synthesis of an intestinal calcium-binding protein, calbinden, which facilitates intestinal absorption of calcium. Oral administration of calcitriol will increase intestinal calcium uptake, but the hormone does not enter the peripheral circulation in significant amounts. Therefore, patients with renal osteodystrophy may need intravenous administration of calcitriol.

In Renal Insufficiency, Calcium Absorption Is Reduced and Leads to Increased