[Loss of bone substance in long-term dialysis--the value of serochemical parameters]

During long-term hemodialysis therapy a loss of bone substance--an osteopenia--may occur. The diagnosis is possible by bone biopsy. We have analyzed the bone metabolism-associated serochemical parameters in patients suffering from osteopenia in comparison with patients with normal bone volume. 21 patients were analyzed: 14 females, 7 males, duration of dialysis 44 +/- 29.9 months, age 47.3 +/- 12.5 years. The serum values of calcium, anorganic phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, pH and c-terminal parathormone are determined. The histological bone examination according to the Delling classification did show following distribution: Type I--0, type II--10, type III--10 (without renal osteopenia--1). A quarter of the patients did show a reduction of the bone mass. The parathormone value was significantly reduced in these patients in comparison with patients without osteopenia. No significant changes could observed in the comparison of alkaline phosphatase, serum calcium, anorganic phosphate and pH value. Our results show that in patients with osteopenia the serum parathormone level is reduced relatively.