Real-world data from a national survey on management of CKD-associated osteoporosis among Italian nephrologists.

UNLABELLED

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated osteoporosis increases fracture risk, yet clinical guidance remains unclear. A survey of 89 Italian nephrologists revealed heterogeneous biomarker availability and varied treatment approaches. Denosumab was the preferred antiresorptive agent, while anabolic drugs were rarely used. Findings highlight progress in CKD-related bone health management despite existing uncertainties. CKD-associated osteoporosis comprises the skeletal effects of a complex mineral and bone disorder causing increased risks of fragility fractures (FF), cardiovascular events, and mortality. Existing clinical guidance about CKD-associated osteoporosis is vague, leading us to hypothesize that a treatment gap exists and that clinical practice is dependent on local availability of diagnostic tools.

PURPOSE AND METHODS

The aim of the current survey was to determine current attitudes and practices among Italian nephrologists regarding the evaluation and management of CKD-associated osteoporosis. An online survey was designed, consisting of 9 thematic groups with a set of 16 closed questions regarding the availability of biomarkers and BTMs at reference laboratories and their use for the diagnosis and treatment of CKD-associated osteoporosis in patients with different stages of CKD, including CKD stages G4-5 and dialysis patients. Results were compared to a previous survey on the use of BTMs from 2022.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine Italian nephrologists participated in the survey, reporting that parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D measurements were available in 92-100% of their reference laboratories. Measurements for fibroblast growth factor-23, Klotho, Matrix Gla protein, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b were available in 64-74% of cases. Regarding PTH cut-off values, 47.2% followed KDOQI and 43.8% followed KDIGO recommendations. Vitamin D was widely used across CKD stages (cholecalciferol 27-37.1%, calcifediol 9-12.4%, calcitriol 47.2-53.9%, and paricalcitol 21.3-30.3). Denosumab was the preferred antiresorptive agent in all CKD stages (22.5%-28.1%), while the use of bisphosphonates was uncommon in advanced CKD. Anabolic drugs were rarely prescribed.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of bone biomarkers is heterogeneous, and an uncertainty still exists regarding the clinical use of biomarkers in CKD-associated osteoporosis. Nonetheless, our findings indicate that Italian nephrologists are increasingly taking proactive steps to prevent and treat bone fragility in CKD patients.