Renal osteodystrophy: review of the disease and its treatment

Renal osteodystrophy (ROD), which is most evident in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT), usually begins when the kidney function starts to deteriorate. The spectrum of skeletal abnormalities seen in ROD is classified according to the state of bone turnover. In the past two decades, the prevalence of high turnover ROD has decreased while low bone turnover has become increasingly recognized. Secondary hyperparathyroidism represents a common disorder in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); it develops as a result of hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia and impaired synthesis of renal vitamin D with reduction in serum calcitriol levels. Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism have a range of symptoms that affect their quality of life. The aim of treatment of ROD is to reduce the incidence of uremic bone disease as well as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality caused by elevated serum levels of parathormone (PTH) and calcium X phosphorus product. Treatment measures include control of phosphorus retention and prevent hyperphosphatemia, maintaining serum calcium concentrations within the normal range and prevent excess PTH secretion.