What is Renal Osteodystrophy?

Renal osteodystrophy is a potentially serious medical condition that arises when the kidneys are unable to regulate phosphorus and calcitriol levels in the bloodstream. As a result, blood becomes calcium-deficient, triggering the body to extract calcium from bones to compensate. Bones become weak and brittle, which can cause chronic joint pain, fatigue, and fractures. Treatment for renal osteodystrophy generally entails supplements and medications to raise calcitriol and lower phosphorus levels. The underlying kidney disease must be addressed as well to prevent eventual renal failure.

Calcitriol is a vital mineral that aids in the absorption of calcium from foods. When the kidneys cannot produce enough calcitriol, the body draws calcium from bone tissue instead of dietary sources. Increased phosphorus levels due to insufficient kidney filtering also contribute to low blood calcium, causing even more of the mineral to be taken from bones.

Renal osteodystrophy can potentially afflict a person of any age, though it is most common in adults over the age of 40. Congenital defects, autoimmune disorders, low blood pressure, and severe injuries can all contribute to renal disease and osteodystrophy. As the bones weaken, a person may notice progressively worsening pain and stiffness in major body joints, including the hips and knees. Bones may become so brittle that even minor force can lead to a fracture.

A patient who shows signs of renal osteodystrophy is usually evaluated by a team of specialists to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests can reveal abnormal levels of phosphorus, calcitriol, and calcium in the blood, and x-rays can show signs of weakened joints and bone fractures. When it is clear that the kidneys are responsible for bone brittleness, treatment options can be considered.

Most patients with renal osteodystrophy are immediately placed on low-phosphorus diets to help prevent further bone loss. Consumption of phosphorus-rich foods such as dairy products, nuts, and soda is moderated or eliminated. Medications that control phosphorus levels as a primary or secondary function may be prescribed as well. In addition, a patient may need to take calcium supplements or receive intravenous injections of synthetic calcitriol to help normalize mineral levels.

Medications and smart dietary choices can help slow the progression of renal osteodystrophy, but symptoms tend to persist as kidney disease worsens. A patient may need to attend frequent dialysis sessions and undergo hormone therapy to compensate for poor kidney functioning. Transplantation surgery to replace a defective kidney with a donor organ is ideal when possible to provide an individual with the best possible chances of recovery.