Disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in patients with acquired heart diseases

Some calcium/phosphorus metabolism indices were studied in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, superoxide dismutase (SOD), the total amount of peroxides and the activity of alkaline phosphatase and its bone isoenzyme were measured in the blood serum of 88 patients (men aged 65 years, with 67 of them having RHD and 21 -IE). Hypocalcemia, vitamin D deficiency, an increase in PTH and peroxides, as well as a significant decrease in SOD concentrations when compared to the reference values were detected in both groups. The patients with IE had increased osteocalcin concentrations and higher alkaline phosphatase activity, while those with RHD were diagnosed with hypophosphatemia. Some mechanisms and pathogenic relationships of the identified abnormalities are discussed. RHD and IE are shown to lead to significant disorders of systemic calcium/phosphorus metabolism.