PTH and hyperparathyroidism: Among 139,328 thrice-weekly-treated hemodialysis patients, including 32% African Americans, in a single large dialysis organization, where most laboratory values were measured monthly up to 60 months (July 2001 to June 2006), we found that African-American hemodialysis patients had higher serum calcium and PTH levels than—but similar phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels as—other races, implying that the chemical hyperparathyroidism in African Americans may not cause a more severe bone disease.