Renal osteodystrophy and hypercalcemia

The occurrence of aluminum-related bone disease should be completely prevented in uremic patients by restricting the use of aluminum-phosphate binders, which can be safely replaced by oral calcium carbonate. Factors other than aluminum may lead to adynamic bone disease in uremic patients. Radiolucent bone cysts are indicative of amyloid deposits, and their occurrence and progression may be influenced by the membranes used for hemodialysis. Bone disease may persist after successful renal transplantation, and the additional deleterious effect of immunosuppressive drugs should be emphasized. Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most frequent cause of hypercalcemia in the general population. Surgery should be undertaken when there is evidence of active disease, even in asymptomatic patients. The consequences of primary hyperparathyroidism on bone mass and bone fragility remain controversial, and histologic bone studies suggest that hyperparathyroidism leads to increased bone turnover without any deleterious effect on bone volume or trabecular architecture. The diagnostic value of a newly developed immunoassay for intact parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone-related protein is clearly demonstrated. New bisphosphonates are of major value for the management of hypercalcemia in malignancy.