M. Arici et al., Bone mineral density in haemodialysis patients: A comparative study of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and quantitative ultrasound, NEPH DIAL T, 15(11), 2000, pp. 1847-1851
Background. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of bone is a relatively new techn
ique that appears to assess 'bone quality' in addition to bone mineral dens
ity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of
QUS of calcaneum and to correlate it with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
(DEXA) in chronic haemodialysis patients.
Methods. Broad-band ultrasound attenuation (BUA; dB/MHz) and speed of sound
(SOS; m/s) of calcaneum and DEXA (g/cm(2)) measurements of the lumbar spin
e and hip were made in 39 patients. The indices obtained by either method w
ere compared with age-and sex-matched controls. Calcaneal measurements were
correlated to DEXA and relevant clinical and biochemical data of patients.
Results. BUA and SOS values were markedly reduced in dialysis patients comp
ared to controls (59.1+/-13.8 vs 73.0+/-16.2 dB/MHz, P<0.001 and 1533+/-28
vs 1560+/-29 m/s, P=0.014 respectively). There was a moderate, but signific
ant association between calcaneal parameters and DEXA (r = 0.32-0.53, P < 0
.05). Both BUA and SOS scores were inversely correlated with age (r = -0.69
, P < 0.001) and duration of menopause (r = -0.74, P < 0.01). Additionally,
BUA values showed a moderate negative association with serum intact parath
yroid values (r = -0.38, P = 0.018).
Conclusion. Chronic haemodialysis patients have reduced calcaneal BUA and S
OS scores. QUS of the calcaneum is an easy-to-apply and radiation-free tech
nique. It could be a useful substitute for assessment of bone density in su
ch patients. However, further studies in large patient groups and compariso
ns with plasma markers of bone turnover and bone biopsy findings are needed
to assess its potential place in the management of renal osteodystrophy.