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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Digital Home-Monitoring of Patients after Kidney Transplantation: The MACCS Platform
Published on: April 12, 2021
Osteoporosis after renal transplantation
Evangelia Dounousi1, Konstantinos Leivaditis, Theodoros Eleftheriadis
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Kidney transplant recipients experience significant bone loss, primarily in the first year, due to complex factors including immunosuppressants. While vitamin D and bisphosphonates help bone density, their effect on fracture risk requires further study.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Kidney transplantation can lead to serious bone loss and fractures, increasing patient morbidity and mortality.
- Post-transplantation bone loss is multifactorial, exacerbated by immunosuppressive drugs and pre-existing bone conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for bone loss following kidney transplantation.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of current treatments and identify knowledge gaps.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on bone metabolism after kidney transplantation.
- Analysis of studies on bone mineral density, bone histology, and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Bone loss is rapid in the first 6-12 months post-transplant, with heterogeneous bone biopsy findings.
- Vitamin D and bisphosphonates improve bone density but lack evidence for reducing fracture risk.
Conclusions:
- Accelerated bone loss after kidney transplantation is a significant clinical issue.
- Further research is needed to understand underlying mechanisms and optimize fracture prevention strategies.
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