Vitamin D and osteoporosis in chronic kidney disease

Osteoporotic fractures are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Morbidity and mortality are higher in CKD patients with a fracture than in the general population. The assessment of bone mineral density for fracture prediction may be useful at all CKD stages. It should be considered when this influences treatment decisions. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with CKD, particularly in patients with proteinuria, due to loss of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and its binding protein. Vitamin D supplementation should be prescribed early in the course of renal disease. For treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency in CKD patients cholecalciferol 800 IU/day or the equivalent per month is recommended just as in the general population.