The effect of 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 on calcium and mineral content of bone in renal osteodystrophy.

Ten patients with renal osteodystrophy were treated with 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 for 18 months. The effect of treatment was measured by a number of different methods and bone mass assessed by mineral and neutron activation analysis. In the majority of patients, raised serum levels of parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase, histological features and radiological changes returned to normal. These effects were inconsistent in patients with a raised serum calcium level before starting treatment. In general, in patients without evidence of severe hyperparathyroidism there was a reduction in the rate of fall or an increase in the mineral and calcium content of the bone.