RENAL-TRANSPLANTATION AND OSTEOPOROSIS

A cross sectional study assessed the bone mineral density (BMD) of 20 young adult patients who received a renal transplantation in childhood . The BMD of the lumbar spine, mainly trabecular bone, and of the tota l body, mainly cortical bone, were measured and expressed as an SD sco re. Fourteen patients (70%) had a BMD SD score of the lumbar spine bel ow -1, of whom six patients were below -2. Fifteen patients (75%) had a BMD SD score of the total body below -1, of whom seven patients were below -2. Both trabecular and cortical bone appeared to be involved i n the osteopenic process. The cumulative dose of prednisone was invers ely correlated to both lumbar spine and total body BMD SD score. In a multiple regression analysis the cumulative dose of prednisone appeare d to be the only factor with a significant effect on BMD SD score. Mos t young adult patients who had received a renal transplantation in chi ldhood had moderate to severe osteopenia. Corticosteroid treatment pla yed a major part in the development of osteopenia in these patients.