Changes in bone mineral density and selected metabolic parameters over 24 months following renal transplantation

Our aim was to evaluate changes in serum levels of selected bone metabolism indicators and bone density over 24 months following renal transplant. A partial objective was assessment of the effectiveness of prophylactic administration of vitamin D and calcium preparations to prevent progression of osteopathy after kidney transplantation. Forty patients after kidney transplantation were prophylactically given vitamins A and D (800 IU) and calcium (1000 mg) a day. During monitoring, the serum creatinine in all recipients was <200 micromol/L (subgroup A with creatinine concentration < 120 micromol/L versus subgroup B with creatinine 120 to 200 micromol/L). The concentration of serum parathormone, serum level of bone fraction of alkaline phosphatase, serum concentrations of phosphorus and calcium urinary 24-hour excretion of phosphorus and calcium were examined at 2 weeks and 2 years after transplantation. In the same time period, radiographs of thoracic, lumbar spine, and hip joints were obtained. Bone density (BMD) of the lumbar (L) spine and the hip was determined by dual-energy X ray (Lunar Prodigy). Two years after transplantation in subgroup A, the BMD showed decrease in 80% of recipients in the L spine area but hip showed a 15% BMD increase. In subgroup B, the BMD decreased in 95% recipients in L and hip and only 25% showed a BMD increase. No clinical or radiographic sign of fracture was detected in this group. We conclude that prophylactic administration of vitamin D and calcium is not sufficient to prevent the progression of osteopathy after renal transplantation. Changes in bone density evaluated after the kidney transplantation are affected by graft function.