Bone disease in moderate renal failure: cause, nature and prevention.

There are two primary types of bone disorders observed in patients with end-stage renal disease: a high-turnover osteodystrophy characterized by osteitis fibrosa, and a low-turnover osteodystrophy characterized initially by osteomalacia and, more recently, by adynamic or aplastic bone disease. This article reviews the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and laboratory findings of patients with these two disorders. It discusses the important roles of phosphorous binding, vitamin D administration, and correction of acidosis in prevention and treatment of bone disease in patients with moderate renal insufficiency.