Steroids and Bone Density in Patients With Functioning Kidney Allografts

Osteopenia and osteoporosis are frequent among kidney transplant patients (66%), with a similar distribution between the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Excess weight and possibly better renal function may be protective factors. The cumulative steroid dose showed a significant effect on bone density. As expected, secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with renal impairment seemed to be a risk factor for LBD.