| Theme | Kidney transplantation and bone metabolism | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Bone fractures in kidney transplant recipients | |
| Publish Date | 2011/01 | |
| Author | Minako Wakasugi | Center for the Inter-organ Communication Research, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences |
| Author | Junichiro James Kazama | Blood Purification Center, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | The incidence of bone fracture events is unacceptably high in kidney transplant recipients. Several studies have documented approximately a 4-fold increase in bone fracture incidence in kidney transplant recipients compared to the general population. Compared to dialysis patients, one study documented that kidney transplant recipients had a similar risk of bone fractures, while another found that kidney transplantation recipients had a 34 % greater risk of hip fractures. The factors associated with risk of bone fractures have not been thoroughly understood. Several studies have shown that older age, female gender, race (Caucasian), and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus lead to an increased risk of bone fractures. Most of the retrospective studies concerning bone fractures in kidney transplant recipients, however, have been conducted in the United States. Those studies include few Asian people. It is well known that hip fracture incidence in the Japanese population is much lower than that in Caucasians. Little is known about bone fractures in Japanese kidney transplant recipients. We must research the incidence of bone fracture events and the factors associated with risk of bone fractures in Japan in order to improve the quality of life for kidney transplant recipients in Japan. | |