[Evaluation of osteodystrophy parameters in a pre-dialysis unit]

A cross-sectional study was developed with 100 of the first-time pre-dialysis patients visiting the Princesa University Hospital's Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (ACKD) unit, with the aim of analysing various parameters of osteodystrophy at this time. Parameters evaluated were: age, gender, renal function, osteodystrophy serum parameters, comorbidity index (ICED) and the patients' origin to establish correlations between these parameters. Mean iPTH levels were higher irrespective of the patients' origin, and were significantly higher in men than in women, the former also having poorer renal function and higher comorbidity score. The mean levels of calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase and CO2 did not justify this rise in iPTH. Nutritional parameters NPNA and albumin were adequate in spite of ageing. At early stages of ESRD, iPTH could be elevated and ACKD units play an important part its early detection and subsequent treatment.