Osteomalacia and Renal Osteodystrophy

Osteomalacia is defined by the undermineralization of newly formed bone due to a lack of available calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D. Causative factors of osteomalacia include nutritional deficiency, diminished absorptive capabilities (often due to gastrointestinal disorders), and renal insufficiency. Renal osteodystrophy is a specific form of metabolic bone disease defined by the presence of osteomalacia and associated hyperparathyroidism secondary to a malfunction in, or absence of, renal parenchyma. This reduces the conversion of vitamin D to its active form, thus leading to a cascade of effects that negatively impact the stability of the skeleton. Osteomalacia occurs across a spectrum of severity and can produce severe consequences for specific populations, including patients with dietary, nutritional, and absorptive deficiencies. Renal osteodystrophy affects patients with chronic kidney disease, those undergoing dialysis, and renal transplant patients. Special considerations must be taken into account when assessing the bone health of patients fitting these criteria.