Vitamin D insufficiency and bone fractures in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Background: The incidence of fractures is substantially increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to the general population. The factors associated with increased bone fracture in this population are not well understood. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with decreased bone mass and higher incidence of fractures in the general population.

Bone mineral density and parathyroid function in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Background: The relationship between parathyroid function, an important determinant of bone turnover, and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with chronic kidney disease is not fully understood. We wanted to analyze the association between BMD and parathyroid function in hemodialysis patients in details.

Methods: In a cross-sectional design, data from 270 patients (age 55 ± 15 years, 60% men, all Caucasian) on maintenance hemodialysis were analyzed.