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Bone fragility fractures in hemodialysis patients: Croatian surveys
Insights
Bone fractures are common in Croatian hemodialysis patients, with a 4.0% prevalence. Hip fractures were most frequent, highlighting a significant fracture risk in this population.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Orthopedics
- Metabolic Bone Disease
Background:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently causes bone mineral metabolism disturbances.
- Bone fractures are a major complication, impacting patient morbidity and mortality.
- Understanding fracture prevalence in hemodialysis patients is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of bone fractures in Croatian hemodialysis patients.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with fractures in this cohort.
- To establish baseline epidemiological data for bone fractures in this specific population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 767 hemodialysis patients across nine Croatian centers.
- Data collection included demographics, laboratory results, and fracture history from medical records.
- Fractures were classified according to World Health Organization criteria for fragility fractures.
Main Results:
- A total of 36 fractures were recorded in 31 patients, yielding a prevalence of 4.0%.
- The mean age of patients with fractures was 68.6 years, with women more affected than men.
- Hip fractures (39%) and forearm fractures (22%) were the most common types observed.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of bone fractures among Croatian hemodialysis patients is notably high.
- Older age, female sex, longer duration of hemodialysis, and elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are associated with increased fracture risk.
- This study provides essential epidemiological insights into bone fractures within the Croatian hemodialysis population.
Abstract:
Disturbances of bone mineral metabolism are common complications of chronic kidney disease with bone fractures as one of the most important consequences. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of bone fractures among Croatian hemodialysis patients and to determine the possible fracture risk. The study was carried out in 767 hemodialysis patients from nine Croatian hemodialysis centers. Demographic, laboratory and bone fracture data were collected from medical records as well as therapy with vitamin D analogs. Fragility fractures were defined according to the World Health Organization definition. In 31 patient a total of 36 fractures were recorded. The prevalence of patients with bone fractures was 4.0%. The mean age of patients with fractures was 68.6 years. There were 9 male and 22 female patients with frac- tures. The mean hemodialysis duration was 63.3 months. Among all fractures the most common were hip fractures (39%) followed by forearm fractures (22%). This is the first study regarding epidemiology of bone fractures in Croatian hemodialysis patients. The prevalence of patients with bone fractures in our group of hemodialysis patients is high. Fractures were more frequent among women and older patients, patients who have been longer on dialysis and in patients with higher concentration of PTH.
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