Suboptimal Kidney Response to FGF-23 May Increase Risks for CKD Patients.

Among patients with CKD and cardiovascular disease, those with above-average levels of the hormone FGF-23 but below-average levels of urinary phosphorus had the highest risks of both premature death and cardiovascular events. Findings from a recent JASN study of 872 patients indicate that urinary phosphorus excretion significantly modifies FGF-23's links with premature death and heart disease. In patients with low urinary phosphorus levels, the kidney's response to FGF-23 may be suboptimal, and the relative resistance to the hormonal actions of FGF-23 in the kidney may identify novel aspects of kidney dysfunction.