Sakaguchi Y, et al. - In this 2-year, open-label, randomized, controlled trial, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of magnesium oxide (MgO) and/or the oral carbon adsorbent AST-120 for slowing coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression in patients with stage 3−4 CKD. These patients had risk factors for CAC (diabetes mellitus, history of cardiovascular disease, high LDL cholesterol, or smoking). Patients were randomly assigned to an MgO group or a control group, and to an AST-120 group or a control group, using a two-by-two factorial design. Percentage change in CAC score was considered as the primary outcome. Findings were suggestive of the efficacy of MgO, but not AST-120, in slowing CAC progression in these patients.