Photon absorptiometry of bone after successful renal transplantation

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Abstract
Photon absorptiometric measurements of the right lower femur were carried out at regular intervals of 1-3 mo. in 58 recipients of renal transplant. During the first 6 mo. after transplant, 57% showed a significant and abnormal rate of loss of bone mineral (mean 11.7%/yr .+-. 1.1% SEM [standard error of the mean]) while 30 mo. after transplantation only 17% showed such a significant loss (P = 0.025). Eighteen months after transplantation both male and female recipients of transplants had a significantly lower mean bone mineral index than controls (P < 0.001). Male patients who developed new post-transplant fractures had a lower mean bone mineral content compared with age and sex-matched controls taken from transplant recipients without such fractures (P < 0.01). Similarly male patients with post-transplant fractures had a significantly longer mean period on regular hemodialysis (P < 0.05) compared with patients without such fractures. Regular photon absorptiometric measurements provide an accurate, informative and non-invasive technique for following changes of bone mineral content after successful renal transplantation.