Q: What is renal osteodystrophy?
A: Renal osteodystrophy is a condition that affects bones and joints due to imbalance of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Q: Does renal osteodystrophy affect kidney disease patients only?
A: Yes, renal osteodystrophy is more common in kidney disease patients especially those who are on dialysis for a long time. In children, this condition might present without any signs of kidney disease, but an underlying kidney disease is present.
Q: Why does imbalance between calcium and phosphorus levels arise?
A: An imbalance in calcium and phosphorus levels in renal dystrophy happens due to inefficiency of the kidney to convert vitamin D into calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. This leads to increased bone turnover, low calcium levels and increased phosphorus levels. This in turn stimulates the parathyroid gland for secreting more parathyroid hormone. Phosphorus levels also increase because of the inability of the kidneys to excrete excess phosphorus.
Q: How is renal osteodystrophy diagnosed?
A: Renal Osteodystrophy is diagnosed with the estimation of serum calcium, phosphorus levels, parathyroid hormone and calcitriol levels. A bone biopsy is done to determine the density of bones.
Q: How is renal osteodystrophy treated?
A: Renal osteodystrophy is treated with diet modification, dialysis and drug therapy. Measures to control parathyroid hormone levels and maintain optimal phosphorus levels along with supplementation of calcitriol are the mainstay of treatment.
