Effect of correction of metabolic acidosis on bone mineralisation rates in patients with renal osteomalacia.

The role of metabolic acidosis in the genesis of renal osteomalacia was investigated by studying bone mineralisation and resorption rates with a combined isotope and balance technique in six patients, before and after the administration of alkali. Correction of blood pH was achieved in five cases and was associated with a significant rise in the bone mineralisation rates and a significant positive trend in the calcium balances. It is suggested that acidosis contributes to the pathogenesis of osteomalacia in renal failure by slowing skeletal mineralisation, possibly by inhibiting bone alkaline phosphatase.