Bone mineral density in children after renal transplantation

A successful kidney transplantation (Tx) offers good quality of life for ch ildren suffering from chronic renal failure. However, some metabolic abnorm alities may not be corrected and may persist after Tx despite good graft fu nction. Post-Tx bone disease seems to be a universal finding in adult Tx re cipients, and is most probably related to steroids. Reports on bone mineral density (BMD) in children after renal Tx are not uniform. Recent studies s uggest that BMD is normal when corrected for height. However, longitudinal studies show a transient decrease in BMD in the early post-Tx period. These controversial results raise the issue of the correct interpretation of dua l-energy X-ray absorptiometry in children with stunted growth. Etiopathogen etic factors of the decreased BMD, preventive and therapeutic measures are discussed. In conclusion, the results of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry s hould be interpreted with caution, especially in children with disturbed gr owth.