[Secondary hyperparathyroidism and tertiary hyperparathyroidism chronic renal failure, uremia]

The bone histology of renal osteodystrophy is classified into osteitis fibrosa, osteomalacia, those of mixed, osteoporosis and low turnover bone. Osteitis fibrosa is the most frequent skeletal abnormality and is caused by various degrees of hyperparathyroidism. The main factors inducing hyperparathyroidism which is a well known complication in patients with renal failure include (a) phosphorus retention: 1) hypocalcemia and 2) decreased levels of 1 alpha, 25(OH)2 Vitamin D3, (b) reduced number of 1 alpha, 25(OH)2 Vitamin D3 receptors in parathyroid tissue, (c) skeletal resistance to set-point for calcium-regulated parathyroid hormone secretion. Serum or plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase are measured to evaluate hyperparathyroidism and metabolic bone disease. Dietary phosphorus restriction in chronic renal insufficiency prevents secondary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy. Other treatment of phosphorus binders, Vitamin D metabolites or analogues, carcitonin and bisphosphonate are useful for the management of renal bone disease.