Bone mineral density and its risk factors in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis

Background. Patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis are at high risk for decreased bone mineral density (BMD), leading to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Various factors, including age, sex, menopausal status, and duration of hemodialysis, can influence BMD loss, necessitating early detection and management. Aim. To evaluate the correlation between risk factors – such as age, sex, menopausal status, and duration of hemodialysis – and decreased BMD in CKD patients undergoing regular hemodialysis, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the diagnostic standard. Results. A cross-sectional study of 63 CKD patients (aged 18–70 years) found that 61.9% had osteopenia or osteoporosis at the lumbar spine, with over 70% affected at the hips. Significant correlations were identified between reduced lumbar BMD and both age (p=0.035) and menopausal status (p=0.018). Although longer hemodialysis duration and comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus showed trends toward lower BMD, these associations did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion. Age and menopausal status are significant predictors of reduced BMD in CKD patients on hemodialysis. Routine DXA screening and targeted interventions are essential to mitigate fracture risk and improve patient outcomes.