Prediction of radiographic severity of renal osteodystrophy by serum values

Renal osteodystrophy, a frequent complication of chronic renal failure, is usually assessed by periodic X-rays of bone which are both poorly reproducible and expensive. Seeking a better screening test for osteodystrophy, we evaluated the usefulness of serum alkaline phosphatase as a predictor of bone disease and of hyperparathyroidism. Alkaline phosphatase, despite nonspecificity, correlates with the severity of osteodystrophy and with the increase in serum parathyroid hormone concentration. Serial measurements of alkaline phosphatase can predict changes in these parameters.