What Is Renal Osteodystrophy in Renal Failure?

Kidney failure is a serious condition that makes it difficult for the kidneys to work properly. This condition causes abnormal levels of minerals and electrolytes in the blood. Renal osteodystrophy is one possible complication of kidney failure.

Definition

• Renal osteodystrophy is a metabolic condition that causes the bones to become thin and weak. This condition is the result of calcium and phosphorus imbalances related to chronic kidney disease.

Prevalence

• The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that 90 percent of patients receiving hemodialysis are affected by renal osteodystrophy.

Symptoms

• The University of Rochester Medical Center indicates that this condition is a silent crippler, because symptoms do not appear until many years after bone changes occur. Bone and joint pain are the most common symptoms of renal osteodystrophy.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests and bone biopsies are used to diagnose this condition. Blood tests check the levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), phosphorus and calcitrol to determine if they are abnormal. Bone biopsy is performed to determine the density of the bones.

Treatment

• Diet and medications are used to control PTH levels, which prevents the loss of calcium from the bones. Calcitrol supplements are given to increase levels of calcitrol in the blood. You may be instructed to reduce the amount of phosphorus in your diet. Limiting the amount of milk, peas, nuts, cheeses and dried beans you eat can reduce your phosphorus intake.