Bone Fragility Fractures in Hemodialysis Patients: Croatian Surveys

Abstract

Disturbances of bone mineral metabolism are common complications of chronic kidney disease with bone fractures as one of the most important consequences. The aim of this study was to estimate prevalence of bone  fractures among Croatian hemodialysis patients and to determine the possible fracture risk. The study was carried out in 767 hemodialysis patients from nine Croatian hemodialysis centers. Demographic, laboratory and bone fracture data were collected from medical records as well as therapy with vitamin D analogs. Fragility fractures were defined according to the World Health Organization definition. In 31 patient a total of 36 fractures were recorded. The prevalence of patients with bone fractures was 4.0%. The mean age of patients with fractures was 68.6 years. There were 9 male and 22 female patients with fractures. The mean hemodialysis duration was 63.3 months. Among all fractures the most common were hip fractures (39%) followed by forearm fractures (22%).  This is the first study regarding epidemiology of bone fractures in Croatian hemodialysis patients. The prevalence of patients with bone fractures in our group of hemodialysis patients is high. Fractures were more frequent among women and older patients, patients who have been longer on dialysis and in patients with higher concentration of PTH.