Osteitis fibrosa: treatment trends

Renal osteodystrophy is frequently seen in patients with end stage renal disease. Osteitis fibrosa associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism is often diagnosed. Treatment options vary based on disease severity. Individual patient considerations need to be addressed to determine the best therapeutic plan. Medical management with calcitriol, dietary modifications, and administration of phosphate binders continues to be the best treatment for most patients. Parathyroidectomy should be reserved for patients with complications related to severe irreversible hyperparathyroidism and/or failure of medical management. Total resection of all parathyroid tissue with or without autotransplant is the most common surgery for hyperparathyroid bone disease.