Abstract:
Renal osteodystrophy (ROD) is a collective term describing the mixture of pathophysiological
conditions that afflict the skeletal system of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
It is most evident in patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT), but usually starts early in the
course of CKD. The spectrum of skeletal abnormalities seen in ROD is classified according to
the state of bone turnover. Secondary hyperparathyroidism represents a common disorder in
patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD); it develops as a result of hyperphosphatemia,
hypocalcemia and impaired synthesis of renal vitamin D with reduction in serum calcitriol
levels. Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism have a range of symptoms that affect their
quality of life. In the past two decades, the prevalence of high turnover ROD has decreased while
low bone turnover has become increasingly recognized.
