Evidence Hub

Bone turnover biomarkers and semi-quantitative bone histomorphometry in chronic kidney disease: Comparison between patients with and without fractures

Sharma S, Sujir P, Rajasekharan P, Kotian P, Bhupal M, Sudhanva GN, Parimi K

SAGE open medicine, 2026

48 participants

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased fracture risk not fully explained by reduced bone mineral density. CKD-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), involving abnormalities in bone turnover, mineralization, and microarchitecture, contributes to skeletal fragility. However, the relationship between routine biochemical markers and semi-quantitative bone histomorphometry remains inadequately defined, particularly in resource-limited settings and the Indian population. The objective of this study was to compare biochemical markers and semi-quantitative bone histomorphometric findings in CKD patients with and without fractures.

Methods: In this hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study, 48 patients with CKD stage 3-4 were divided into fracture (n = 24) and non-fracture groups (n = 24). Serum calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Bone samples were obtained intraoperatively or via transiliac crest biopsy. Semi-quantitative bone histomorphometry was assessed by a pathologist. Statistical analysis included appropriate group comparisons.

Results: Fracture patients had significantly lower vitamin D (p = 0.007) and calcium (p = 0.005), and higher PTH (p = 0.002) and ALP (p = 0.001). Semi-quantitative histomorphometric evaluation showed increased osteoid volume, reduced trabecular thickness, and elevated osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity.

Conclusion: In our study cohort, CKD patients…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 48 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free