Osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease

Bone disease is heterogenous and highly prevalent among those with chronic kidney disease, stage V (CKD-V) patients. Although we know much regarding the risk factors and outcomes associated with renal osteodystrophy, less is known about osteoporosis in CKD-V. Factors that predict bone loss in the CKD-V population are similar to those in the general population and include female gender, Caucasian race, older age, chronic disease, and immobility. In addition, some studies suggest that chronic acidosis and renal osteodystrophy may also increase the risk for bone loss. Little is known about associated adverse outcomes or the impact of therapeutic interventions for osteoporosis. Although we know that the risk for hip fracture is high among CKD-V patients and that fracture is associated with an increased risk for death, the role that bone loss plays is largely unknown. Current recommendations suggest that risk-factor modification is the most appropriate course of treatment for CKD-V-associated osteoporosis.