Rapid Loss of Vertebral Mineral Density after Renal Transplantation

RENAL transplantation corrects many of the disturbances of calcium and phosphorus metabolism that lead to renal osteodystrophy in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. The increase in glomerular filtration corrects the retention of phosphorus and restores the synthesis of calcitriol to normal. Nonetheless, important skeletal complications may arise in recipients with well-functioning allografts. Osteopenia, primarily related to the use of glucocorticoids, has been a major complication of renal transplantation. 1 The use of cyclosporine has resulted in improved survival of renal allografts and allowed the use of lower doses of glucocorticoids, but whether glucocorticoid-sparing immunosuppressive regimens reduce the bone-related complications of transplantation . . .