Bone histological changes occurring after haemodialysis treatment for chronic renal failure

ABSTRACT

The changes that occurred in the histological appearances of iliac crest biopsies after haemodialysis for chronic renal failure in 16 patients are described. In the majority there is loss of bone and an increase in resorptive activity that resembles that seen in "disues" osteoporosis. The amount of osteoid present increases in most of the patients and other defects of calcification also make their appearance during the period of dialysis. None of the changes is peculiar to patients treated in this way. The findings are discussed in the light of hypotheses advanced on the condition of "dialysis bone disease".(AU)