Joint Disease in End-Stage Renal Disease

The joint diseases that are encountered in chronic dialysis have been reviewed. There are two general categories: de novo disease and arthropathy anteceding ESRD. The de novo joint diseases include categories that are probably the direct result of ESRD. Microcrystalline CaOHapatite and CaPPD arthritis is associated with hyperparathyroidism and a high Ca X P. Aluminum phosphate joint disease is the result of aluminum toxicity. Both types have severe disease of the adjacent bone: osteitis fibrosa with CaOHapatite-CaPPD arthropathy and osteomalacia with aluminum phosphate. Calcium oxalate joint disease probably results from renal oxalate retention in ESRD and conversion of ascorbate to oxalate. The evidence for uric acid arthropathy in the absence of primary gout or lead toxicity is not convincing. Amyloid is the most frequent cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome and is related to retention of β-2 microglobulin. Infective arthritis may be Seen, often occumng as a result of bacteremia from an infected fistula site. A degenerative arthritis different from osteoarthritis has also been described. Pathologic fractures can occur with both amyloid deposition in bone and aluminum osteomalacia. Long-term steroid therapy can lead to avascular necrosis of femoral or humeral heads. Diabetes mellitus with neuropathy can give rise to a very destructive Charcot joint. Tendon ruptures occur, but the mechanism is obscure.
It is most important that the nephrologist work closely with the rheumatologist. Carefbl and sophis ticated examination of synovial fluid and tissue is mandatory in the microcrystalling diseases. Immunohistochemical methods may be required, particularly for tissue removed during decompression of the median nerve. Together the subspecialists can establish the diagnosis and determine the appropriate therapy for the iarge number of joint disorders to which the dialysis patient is subject.