Frequency of metabolic bone disease in haemodialysis patients

The frequency of metabolic bone disease related to secondary hyperparathyroidism was studied in 47 haemodialysis patients, using biochemical, radiological parameters and bone biopsy (30 males, 17 females; mean age 48 years). The duration on dialysis ranged from 1-5 years. Hypocalcemia was found in 47% while 62% had raised phosphorus levels and 49% raised alkaline phosphatase. Serum parathyroid hormone was elevated in 86%, while in 13% it was markedly raised. On radiological examination there was generalized osteopenia in 49% and decreased bone density in 21%. In 30% no radiological abnormality was detected. In 40% bone biopsy revealed osteomalacia, mixed osteodystrophy 21%, osteoporosis 8.5% and in 25% no histological abnormality was observed.