Renal osteodystrophy in developing countries

There are distinct differences between developing and developed countries regarding the pathogenesis and management of renal osteodystrophy. Such differences are due to ethnic factors, dialysis quality, types of membranes, dialysate water, lack of technical facilities to perform bone biopsies, beta(2)-microglobulin, aluminium and strontium toxicity, and iron overload as well as economic factors hampering the use of effective yet more expensive phosphate binders and active vitamin D. The prevalence of renal osteodystrophy in developing countries is higher than in developed countries. It ranges from 24.4% to 63%. Aluminium related bone disease is a common cause. High strontium levels and iron overload in developing countries play a major role in the development of renal bone disease among dialysis patients.