Single photon bone densitometry in hemodialysis patients

Renal osteodystrophy is a common finding in patients with renal insufficiency. The maximum of its intensity is found in hemodialysis patients. Bone densitometry is so far the best method for non-invasive assessment of the extent of the illness. Some densitometric studies in hemodialysis patients have already been published but their results differ in prevalence and intensity of renal osteodystrophy. They also demonstrated a slight relationship between intensity of renal osteodystrophy and duration of the dialysis treatment. Opinions vary on the relationship between bone mineral density and markers of bone turnover. This cross-sectional study found high prevalence of renal osteodystrophy (Z-score below -1 in 57% of patients) as well as high a number of severely damaged patients (T-score below -2.5 in 40% of patients). It also showed some correlation between bone demineralisation and the duration of dialysis. None from evaluated markers of bone turnover correlated with bone mineral density.