The Effect(s) of Sevelamer Carbonate (Renvela) on Atherosclerotic Plaque Inflammation Judged by FDG-PET Scan

Inclusion Criteria:

• A signed consent form;
• Male or Female, 50 years or older;
• Diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD), on maintenance hemodialysis for at least six (6) months;
• On calcium-based phosphate binders;
• Subject must be able to understand and provide informed consent;
• No known contraindications to therapy with sevelamer carbonate.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any patient with a medical condition or taking any medications that would be contraindicated with the use of sevelamer carbonate, such as history of bowel obstruction;
• History of severe allergic reactions to the study medication;
• History of active infection (other than a simple respiratory tract infection) or acute gouty attack within 2 weeks prior to enrollment;
• Known serological positivity for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg), or Hepatitis C Virus Antibody (HCV Ab);
• Elevation of liver function tests at time of entry (Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and/or Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) > 2 times the upper limit of normal);
• History of drug, alcohol, or chemical abuse within 6 months prior to enrollment;
• History of malignancy except adequately treated in-situ cervical carcinoma, or adequately treated basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin;
• History of an inflammatory disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis;
• Patients currently on sevelamer carbonate or sevelamer chloride or history of taking them for more than a week in the past three months;
• Patients receiving chronic anti-inflammatory therapy;
• Patients in whom FDG-PET/CT dual scans are contraindicated.