Mineral and bone disorders in patients on dialysis: physiology and clinical consequences

Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) arises from a series of independent, yet interrelated, disturbances in bone and mineral metabolism. The consequences of failing to control CKD-MBD include increased mortality, cardiovascular and soft-tissue calcification, renal osteodystrophy, and endocrine and bone marrow disturbances. An understanding of the physiology and clinical consequences of the disease illustrates the necessity of simultaneously controlling parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, and calcium-phosphorus product (Ca x P), as recommended by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQ).