[Influence of vitamin D therapy on renal osteodystrophy in children (author's transl)]

Growth arrest and renal osteodystrophy is a major problem in renal insufficiency of children. The present report describes our experiences in managing renal osteodystrophy by using vitamin D3 for 24 months. Values in plasma of Ca, Mg, alkaline phosphatase, iPTH, 25-OH-D were determined regularly. Skeletal X-rays and analysis of iliac crest bone biopsies were obtained in each child. In treatment with vitamin D3 no hypercalcemia was seen despite high serum levels of 25-OH-D. Plasma-Ca, alkaline phosphatase, and iPTH normalized nearly. Radiographic abnormalities improved. Bone biopsies showed improvement in signs of secondary hyperparathyroidism and ostitis fibrosa, whereas osteomalacia remained unchanged. Osteoblast population showed a small reduction. No real increment in body growth was seen.