How does Chronic Renal Failure(CRF) Cause Bone Disease

Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a severe medical condition that can reduce kidney functions over prolonged periods of time. When the kidneys are malfunctioning, its damage can involve in multiple body systems. Bone disease is one of the complications people with chronic renal failure should be aware of and take care to prevent.

How does Chronic Renal Failure(CRF) cause bone disease?

The reason why Chronic Kidney Disease patients experience bone diseases is the imbalances between phosphorus and calcium. Calcium is a mineral that helps builds and strengthens bones. If calcium levels get too low, it will cause overproduction of PTH and removes calcium from bones. Constant removal of calcium from bones can weaken the bones.

The kidneys can normally discharge excess phosphorus from bloodstream. When the kidneys are not functioning well, phosphorus levels will be raised. High phosphorus can lead to lower levels of calcium and further cause loss of calcium. Even before blood phosphorus levels become elevated, the kidneys are forced to work harder to clear phosphorus from bloodstream.

Is bone disease serious for patients with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)?

Bone disease is common in people with kidney disease and affects almost all patients receiving dialysis. It is most serious in children because their bones are still growing. It can develop slowly and cause deformities. The deformity can occur when the legs bend inward or outwards. Another serious complication is short stature. Symptoms of bone diseases can be seen in growing children with chronic kidney disease even before dialysis starts.

Laboratory diagnosis of bone disease may require a blood test to measure levels of calcium, phosphorus, PTH and sometimes vitamin D. Doctors may perform bone biopsy to confirm if the bone cells are building normal bone. As bone changes may begin before symptoms occur, the disease is known as a “silent killer”. Early diagnosis and treatment is important. Sine if left untreated, the bones can gradually become thin and weak, and a person with chronic kidney disease will experience bone and joint pains. Bone changes caused by chronic kidney disease may increase the risk of bone fractures.