Osteoporosis management in patients with chronic kidney disease (ERCOS Study): A challenge in nephrological care

The Management of Osteoporosis in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has shown a growing association with osteoporosis, comprising part of the broader CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). CKD-MBD is marked by alterations in calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D metabolism, significantly elevating fracture risk. While traditional osteoporosis treatments such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, and teriparatide have been adapted for CKD patients, recent innovations have introduced agents aimed at enhancing bone mass and reducing fracture incidence. This study aims to evaluate the pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, and tailored management strategies for osteoporosis in CKD patients. A detailed review of the literature was conducted, involving an in-depth search of PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and the Cochrane Library databases for studies published between 2017 and 2024. Studies were selected based on inclusion criteria focusing on CKD-related osteoporosis, diagnostic criteria, and treatment outcomes. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by multiple reviewers to ensure thoroughness and reduce bias. Findings highlight that conventional treatments, such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, and teriparatide, when tailored to CKD stages, demonstrate variable effectiveness in lowering fracture risk. Additionally, emerging pharmacologic agents hold promise in improving bone density, though evidence on these newer therapies remains limited. Osteoporosis management in CKD patients necessitates a personalized approach guided by the disease's stage and individual profile. This review underscores the potential of emerging therapies and emphasizes the need for further research to refine treatment protocols, aiming to enhance patient outcomes in this complex population.

Vertebral fractures in patients with CKD and the general population: a call for diagnosis and action

Vertebral fractures (VFs) are the most common osteoporotic fractures in the general population, and they have been associated with high mortality, decreased quality of life, and high risk of subsequent fractures, especially when recent, multiple, or severe. Currently, VF diagnosis and classification determine fracture risk and the most appropriate anti-osteoporotic treatment. However, VFs are clearly underdiagnosed, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and CKD-associated osteoporosis has been disregarded until recently. VFs are associated with higher morbidity and mortality, and their prevalence and incidence differ depending on the grade of renal dysfunction (CKD G1-G5) and/or the type of renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation). In addition to classical risk factors [such as higher age, female sex, reduced bone mineral density, diabetes and steroid use], various other factors have been associated with an increased risk of VFs in CKD, including CKD grade, haemodialysis vintage, time since renal transplantation, low or high intact parathyroid hormone and phosphate levels, and/or vitamin D and K1 deficiencies. Importantly, several clinical societies have recently modified their algorithms according to the fracture risk classification (including the presence of VFs) and determined the most appropriate anti-osteoporotic treatment for the general population. However, there are no specific guidelines addressing this topic in patients with CKD despite an important paradigm shift regarding the prognostic value of bone mineral density in 2017 after the publication of the CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. A proactive attitude towards diagnosis, treatment, and research is proposed to avoid therapeutic nihilism.