Periosteal new bone in uraemic osteodystrophy.

Out of 54 patients requiring haemodialysis approximately one quarter were found to have periosteal new bone associated with severe renal osteodystrophy. This feature has been analysed and correlated with biochemical, clinical, and histological parameters. No direct correlation was found with the duration of haemodialysis, but there is a good correlation with histological indices of osteitis fibrosa and serum parathormone levels. Periosteal new bone regressed or totally disappeared in eight patients after parathyroidectomy and renal transplantation. It is suggested that periosteal new bone may be a useful indicator of hyperparathyroidism in this type of patient.