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Factors associated with low bone mass in the hemodialysis patients--a cross-sectional correlation study

Guey-Shiun Huang1, Tzong-Shinn Chu, Meei-Fang Lou

  • 1Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. gueysh@ntu.edu.tw

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|June 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Low bone mass is common in hemodialysis patients. Advanced age, low body weight, low serum albumin, and high ALP/iPTH levels are key risk factors. Improving bone health requires monitoring, adequate nutrition, and exercise.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, particularly those on hemodialysis, frequently exhibit low bone mass.
  • This condition elevates the risk of fragility fractures, posing significant health challenges.
  • Identifying risk factors for low bone mass in this population is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific risk factors associated with low bone mass in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
  • To identify predictors of bone mineral density (BMD) in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 63 hemodialysis patients (dialysis duration ≥ 6 months).
  • Data collection via questionnaires and medical records, including bone mineral density (BMD) assessment using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.
  • Statistical analysis included correlation and stepwise multiple linear regression to identify risk factors and predictors.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of low bone mass (81%) and osteoporosis (13%) was observed, with the femoral neck most commonly affected.
  • Significant negative correlations were found between BMD and age, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels.
  • Positive correlations with BMD were observed for serum albumin, effective exercise time, and body weight (BW).

Conclusions:

  • Advanced age, low body weight, low serum albumin, and elevated ALP and iPTH levels are significantly associated with low bone mass in hemodialysis patients.
  • Regular monitoring of femoral neck BMD, maintaining adequate serum albumin and body weight, and incorporating exercise programs are recommended.
  • These interventions are vital for improving bone health outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Abstract

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