[Parathyroid hormone and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentrations in the serum of patients with kidney transplantations and their radiological correlation].

In 40 renal transplant patients the serum concentration of parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, calcium and inorganic phosphate were estimated. The results of these biochemical studies were compared to X-ray soft tissue and bone pathologic findings. The serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was normal in 37 patients and increased in 3 cases. 19 (47.5%) renal transplant recipients showed decreased serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels. In 23 out of 40 patients (57.5%) serum phosphate was lower than 3.0 mg/100 ml. X-ray soft tissue changes were observed in 28 (70%) and bone changes in 18 (45%) patients; both frequencies were higher when compared to occurrence during regular dialysis treatment. Features of hyperparathyroid osteopathy were frequently observed in renal transplant recipients. Femoral head necroses were predominant in men, whereas osteomalacia with Looser's zones were found mainly in women. The pathogenesis of X-ray bone changes in patients with renal transplants seems to be multifactorial and related to the duration of secondary hyperparathyroidism before renal transplantation as well as to phosphate depletion and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol deficiency.