What is the primary treatment to correct low calcium levels in CKD patients?

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the primary treatment for correcting low calcium levels involves the administration of calcitriol. Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism. In CKD, the kidneys are less capable of converting vitamin D to its active form, leading to impaired calcium absorption from the intestines and resulting in hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).

By supplementing with calcitriol, we can increase intestinal calcium absorption, improve serum calcium levels, and mitigate some of the complications associated with low calcium levels, such as bone disorders and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, calcitriol helps regulate parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, which can become elevated in response to low calcium and contribute to renal osteodystrophy.

The other treatments listed, while having relevance in different contexts, are not primarily aimed at correcting hypocalcemia in CKD. Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to increased calcium excretion. Calcitonin is used primarily for conditions like osteoporosis and hypercalcemia rather than for correcting low calcium in CKD. Phosphate binders help manage hyperphosphatemia common in CKD but do not directly correct low calcium levels