Changes in bone mineral content evaluated by photon absorptiometry before the start of active uremia treatment

Bone mineral content (BMC) in the forearm was evaluated by photon absorptiometry in 74 out of 198 patients who were started on active uremia treatment between 1973 and 1979. The BMC was measured repeatedly up to 24 months prior to and 15 months after the start of regular hemodialysis (RDT). The mean change per month was -0.43% before the start and +0.08% after the start, showing that RDT patients have low BMC chiefly because they lose mineral before the start of active uremia treatment. Patients not given extra calcium and/or vitamin D seemed to lose mineral faster than those given this treatment. The mineral content was lower in patients with polycystic kidney disease than in patients with glomerulonephritis.