How To Treat And Manage Renal Osteodystrophy

October 26, 2023

Renal osteodystrophy, which is prevalent among children, is a type of bone disease that affects many individuals. It is the alteration of the bone morphology in patients. It slows down the bone growth and causes various types of deformities. The forms of renal osteodystrophy are based on the mineralization and the turnover.

Renal osteodystrophy arises when the blood in the kidney fails to maintain proper levels of phosphorus and calcium. Patients who suffer from kidney disease and dialysis are at a higher risk than other individuals. Some of the symptoms of the disease include weakened bones, painful joints, and increased susceptibility to fractures.

Reducing Phosphorus Intake

Phosphorus and calcium are essential minerals useful in bone formation. The kidney is the organ in the body responsible for balancing mineral levels in the blood. The kidney, therefore, partakes in the remodeling and rebuilding of body tissues in the bones. There is the specific range in the amount calcium and phosphorus have to stay within the body. There is a need to regulate calcium in the blood. The parathyroid glands produce the parathyroid hormone, which regulates calcium.

The other important regulator is phosphorus, which helps keep calcium balanced in the blood. However excessive calcium is in blood, the calcium levels are balanced and go down. Patients with kidney disease are at more risk than others because their kidney does not function as it should. The improper functioning of the organ may result in excessive phosphorus, which lowers calcium. Reducing phosphorus intake helps control the secretion of parathyroid hormone.

Limit Dark Sodas And Similar Drinks

Most doctors advise patients with renal osteodystrophy to limit dark sodas and similar drinks. This is the first step to manage your condition properly. Dark sodas contain very high levels of phosphorus, which is not healthy. When you have the disease, it means your kidneys are not functioning normally. Taking in dark sodas is likely to lead to high levels of phosphorus in the blood. The high concentration will lead to the overworking of the parathyroid glands in secreting its hormone to draw calcium from the bones. Continuous consumption of dark drinks weakens the bones in the long run. Other drinks to avoid include cocoa and beer. When it is mandatory to drink soda, drink clear ones rather than a dark one.

Overall Balanced Diet

Avoiding foods high in phosphorus is crucial. However, this does not mean you do not consume an overall balanced diet. You can eat a variety of foods to balance your diet as long as they don't affect your health. It is critical to keep in mind most foods contain phosphorus. Common foods such as milk, peanut butter, nuts, and dried beans contain the mineral. Since most proteins contain phosphorus, keep your protein intake as low as possible. Foods high in calcium are also recommended and good for you. Various hospitals offer renal dietitians to help renal osteodystrophy patients in choosing the right type of meals. Take advantage of this option whenever possible.

Exercise Regime

Exercise is vital for patients who are physically able to do so. It is especially useful when patients are in the early stages of the condition to start exercising. The exercise regime will help you strengthen the weak bones and joints. It is recommended to consult with your doctor to find out if you are in the right condition to exercise. The doctor will also advise you on the best exercises to do.

Mostly, the exercise regime goes hand in hand with a good diet. There is a vast variety of factors that the doctor will look at to provide you with the best exercise regime. One of the elements is your history of exercise and your physical condition. When you are new to exercise, start slow. You will gain momentum as you progress. Exercise helps strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility. You will also feel energetic and healthy afterward. Do not go overboard with your diet just because you are exercising; follow what your dietitian recommends.

Surgical Removal Of The Parathyroid Gland

Surgical removal of the parathyroid gland is a significant treatment for renal osteodystrophy. Various reasons may prompt the decision to remove it. It is especially mandatory when one or more parts of the parathyroid glands are overproducing the parathyroid hormone. Sometimes you may have tumors on the glands that are risk factors for more severe illnesses such as cancer. Some patients may show signs of an enlarged parathyroid gland. All the mentioned cases call for the surgical removal of the parathyroid gland.

There are various types of surgery conducted in the removal process. The operation will depend on the location of the diseased glands. The minimally incisive parathyroidectomy involves making small cuts on the neck of either one or two inches. The procedure only takes one hour to remove the gland. The video-assisted procedure uses a camera for the surgeon to see the parathyroid gland and remove it. The endoscopic parathyroidectomy entails making two to three small cuts on the neck front. The surgeon will cut the collarbone and remove the gland.

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