Endocrine disorders

Recent studies emphasize the adverse effects of endocrine disorders on bone mass. Successful surgery for hyperparathyroidism results in an increase in bone mass, although impact on future fracture rates in these patients is unknown. The etiology of reduced bone mass in diabetes is still unclear, and the adverse effects of thyroxine replacement treatment on bone mass need to be carefully balanced against beneficial effects on hypercholesterolemia. Musculoskeletal problems in chronic renal failure are common, but investigations into their pathogenesis are complicated by the coexistence of renal endocrine failure and beta 2-microglobulin-related amyloid deposition in long-term dialysis patients. An improved definition of dialysis arthropathy is needed. The type of dialysis membrane does not appear to be important in the pathogenesis of this condition.