The De-emphasize Parathyroid Hormone (DePTH) Study is a 12-month pragmatic, randomized, parallel-group, active comparator, open-label, blinded end-point study of 90 patients with incident or prevalent secondary hyperparathyroidism and kidney failure treated with in-center hemodialysis. It tests the hypothesis that low fixed-dose oral calcitriol (intervention) will have more favorable effects on a comprehensive panel of biomarkers that assesses mineral metabolism, bone turnover, and serum calcification propensity, compared with variably-dosed intravenous activated vitamin D titrated to PTH targets (usual care).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age \>=18 years
. Kidney failure treated with in-center hemodialysis
. PTH \>=150 pg/mL x 2 consecutive measures at least 1 month apart or active IV activated vitamin D treatment using the NKC protocol
Exclusion criteria
. History of parathyroidectomy or calciphylaxis
. Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (PTH \>=600 pg/mL x 2 consecutive measures at least 1 month apart despite paricalcitol \>=10 mcg 3x/week or doxercalciferol \>=5 mcg 3x/week or cinacalcet \>30 mg/d)
. Calcium \>9.8 mg/dL
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.