Cortical Bone Microarchitecture in Dialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND

The incidence of skeletal fractures is high in dialysis patients. Current available tools are insufficient to predict bone fragility. We analyzed the microarchitecture in patients on dialysis therapy using bone biopsies and peripheral microcomputed tomography.

METHODS

We analyzed 12 trans-iliac bone biopsies of patients with recent fractures. Bone microarchitecture was assessed in the bone cores by histology (2D-), microcomputed tomography (3D-µCT), and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) at the tibia.

RESULTS

Trabecular bone volume/tissue volume was similar in 2D histology and 3D-µCT (p = 0.40), while lower in HR-pQCT (p < 0.01). There was no correlation in trabecular microarchitectural indices between 2-histology and 3D-µCT, or HR-pQCT. The 3D-µCT cortical thickness (Ct.Th) were positively correlated with 2D (p < 0.05), but with HR-pQCT (p = 0.33). Ct.Th was lower in patients with ≥2 vertebral fractures than with one fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-µCT is a reliable method for the measurement of cortical bone in bone biopsies. Prospective studies are awaited to address its value in discriminating fracture risk.