Low rate of bone formation with or without histologic appearance of osteomalacia in patients with aluminum intoxication.

We analyzed transiliac bone biopsy specimens obtained after tetracycline double labeling from 24 patients with aluminum-related bone disease who had undergone long-term hemodialysis. The specimens were selected by the following criteria: Al deposits at the mineralization fronts, a dramatic reduction in double-labeled surfaces, reflecting a low mineralization rate, and a significant increase in osteoid volume and osteoid surfaces. The bone formation rate at the tissue level and at the basic multicellular unit level was decreased in all patients. Seventeen biopsy specimens (group 1) showed morphologic and dynamic evidence of osteomalacia, as defined by an increase in the osteoid seam thickness and a decreased mineralization rate. In one specimen from group 1, thickened osteoid seams were present only in a small part of the specimen. In seven specimens (group 2), the osteoid seam thickness index was normal, indicating "aplastic bone." Two specimens from group 2, however, showed morphologic and dynamic evidence of focal osteomalacia either in trabecular or in cortical bone. Specimens from group 2 patients differed from those in group 1 in their significantly lower values of osteoid volume and lower levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone. These data show that the absence of significant increase in osteoid seam thickness and the focal distribution of thickened osteoid seams in patients with Al overload and low rate of bone formation reflect the marked reduction of bone matrix formation at the cellular level. It is suggested that low parathyroid activity might play a role in the reduction of bone matrix formation.