Bone and mineral metabolism in childhood end-stage renal disease

Renal osteodystrophy represents a spectrum from high to low turn-over lesions of bone, and the specific pattern may change during the evolution of chronic renal failure and as a consequence of specific therapeutic interventions. Although secondary hyperparathyroidism remains the predominant histologic lesion in patients undergoing maintenance dialysis, recent evidence indicates higher frequency of adynamic lesion not associated with aluminum intoxication. The different factors involved in the development of each of the histologic subtypes have been described together with the clinical manifestations of renal bone disease in childhood. Avoidance of aluminum-containing medications and the intermittent administration of calcitriol are effective approaches for the management of the renal bone diseases. The long-term consequences of the adynamic lesion remain to be determined.