EditorialEditorial

S. Dusilová-Sulková

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 143

Chronic kidney disease - mineral and bone disorder - a reviewReview articles

S. Dusilová-Sulková

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 144-151

The article summarizes current approaches to the diagnosis of impaired calcium-phosphate metabolism in renal failure. Phosphorus retention and decreased calcitriol level are crucial to the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism, the basic form of this meta­ bolic disorder from the point of view of pathogenesis. Parathyroid gland hyperactivity is influenced by both functional stimuli and the amount of tissue. Parathyroid gland hyperplasia is characterized by variations in quality - decreased receptor density, which makes the advanced forms difficult to treat. Understanding the relationship between calcium-phosphate metabolism and cardiovascular...

Ultrasonography of the parathyroid glands in chronic kidney diseaseReview articles

J. Horáček

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 154-157

Ultrasound examination is effective for imaging enlarged parathyroid glands, in particular prior to elective surgery for hyperparathy­ roidism. It is also beneficial for assessing the effect of conservative treatment. However, its reliability is largely dependent on both the equipment quality and the sonographer's experience with the neck region examination. In common sites, the latest technology is usu­ ally capable of resolving formations of the largest sizes over 5 mm. Sometimes, ultrasound examination is combined with fine-needle aspiration biopsy. In chronic kidney disease, chronic stimulation leads to parathyroid hyperplasia - first diffuse and...

Calciphylaxis: a rare but serious complication of chronic renal failureReview articles

M. Válek

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 158-162

Calciphylaxis is a rare but serious complication accompanying chronic renal disease. Calcification of the tunica media and prolifera­ tion of the tunica intima of small arteries result in the development of difficult-to-heal necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Such patients most commonly die of sepsis. The aetiology of calciphylaxis is unknown; however, numerous risk factors have been de­ scribed, with impaired calcium-phosphate metabolism being the most important one. The article summarizes what is known about pa­ thogenesis, clinical course, risk factors and new options for treating the disease.

Vascular involvement in chronic kidney disease - mineral and bone disorderReview articles

J. Zahálková

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 166-171

Cardiovascular (CV) involvement regularly develops in impaired calcium and phosphorus metabolism due to a common pathophy­ siological basis of bone and vascular changes. The predominant manifestation is increased formation of ectopic CV calcifications. The­ ir extent significantly increases CV morbidity and is closely correlated with patient mortality. The vascular system and other soft tissues become an alternative reservoir for calcium and phosphate storage in a situation when, due to impaired remodelling, the ske­ leton is unable to compensate for changes in the overall mineral balance. Vascular smooth muscle cells, actively participating in the...

Claudin-16 and claudin-19 and their roles in mineral homeostasisReview articles

S. Skálová, Š. Kutilek

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 172-174

Claudins are transmembrane tight junction proteins. They determine the barrier properties of intercellular contact existing between the two neighbouring cells and control the selectivity of paracellular transport. Claudins can therefore significantly affect mineral ho­ meostasis. Claudin-16 (CLDN16) and claudin-19 (CLDN19) regulate the paracellular transport of calcium and magnesium in the loop of Henle. Claudin-16 is defective in autosomal recessive familial hypomagnesaemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC), resulting in renal insufficiency Mutations in CLDN19 lead to FHHNC, renal failure and severe ocular abnormalities. This review...

Osteocenter DC MEDISCAN-Euromedic PrahaInformations

P. Kasalický, J. Rosa

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 175

News from around the worldLiterature

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 176-179

To authors and reviewersInformations

M. Bayer, Š. Kutilek

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 180

Petition - Pay more attention to osteoporosisInformations

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 181

Price of the Society for Metabolic Bone Disease ČLS JEP 2006-2007Informations

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 182

Congress AnnouncementsInformations

Clin Osteol 2008; 13(4): 183