What is the primary action of lanthanum in patients with stage 5 ESRD?

Lanthanum is primarily utilized in patients with stage 5 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) to manage hyperphosphatemia, a condition characterized by elevated serum phosphate levels. In individuals with severe renal impairment, the kidneys are unable to adequately excrete phosphate, leading to its accumulation in the blood. Lanthanum functions as a phosphate binder; when taken with food, it binds dietary phosphate in the gastrointestinal tract, thus facilitating its excretion and ultimately leading to a reduction of serum phosphate levels.

This mechanism is crucial for managing patients with ESRD, as high phosphate levels are associated with adverse effects such as calcification of blood vessels and increased cardiovascular morbidity. Therefore, the primary action of lanthanum in this patient population is effectively lowering serum phosphate levels, helping to mitigate these associated risks and improving overall patient management.