Evaluation of bone mineral density and its importance for hemodialysis patients

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in bone mineral density in hemodialysis patients and to evaluate their correlation with disorders of calcium-phosphate metabolism. Patients and methods. Data of 82 patients on chronic hemodialysis were analyzed. The patient group consisted of 40 (48.8%) men and 42 (51.2%) women. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from medical records. Bone mineral density was measured by ultrasound (Sahara Hologic densitometer) in the heel area. Results. The mean age of the patients was 60.13±16.02 years. Mean T score was 1.7±1.19, mean Z score was 1.076±1.2, and mean bone mineral density was 0.393±0.0 g/cm2. Women had significantly lower bone mineral density than men (0.361 g/cm2 and 0.425 g/cm2, respectively; P=0.006). Normal bone mineral density, when T score was –1 and more, was observed only in 23 (28%) patients. More than one-third (n=37, 45.1%) of patients were classified as osteopenic (T score between –2.5 and –1) and 22 (26.8%) patients as osteoporotic (T score less than –2.5). Patients with normal bone mineral density were significantly younger than those with decreased bone mineral density (54.7±15.48 years vs. 58.76±15.76 years and 68.09±14.5 years, respectively; P