Prevention of renal osteodystrophy.

Prevention of bone disease associated with impairment of the renal function is desirable. Attempts at such prevention inevitably also embrace prevention of the extraosseous consequences of autonomous hyperparathyroidism, such as the effects of hypercalcaemia, need for parathyroid surgery, and, perhaps, toxic effects of the parathyroid hormone. Strategies for prevention in early, moderate, and end-stage renal failure are reviewed and discussed with particular reference to dietary phosphorus restriction, use of gut phosphorus binders, control of acidosis, calcium supplementation, use of oral and intravenous calcitriol, and use of synthetic analogues of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The onset of severe renal osteodystrophy can be delayed. Early attempts at prevention are logical, but we do not know whether these will reduce the need for parathyroid surgery or will make patients feel better or live longer. The costs of prophylaxis--both financial and in terms of incidence and severity of complications--remain to be defined. An individual approach to each patient with renal impairment seems at present appropriate.