[Myopathy in uremic patients]

Abstract

Uremic myopathy seems unfrequently studied although it can be really inconvenient in daily activities for some patients. Its is a proximal and non specific myopathy that should be discriminated from uremic neuropathy. Several disturbances from renal insufficiency have been incriminated but they only play an adjuvant role in regard with renal osteodystrophy. Indeed the presence of myopathy in cases of severe osteodystrophy and its close similarity with myopathies accompanying the different forms of osteomalacia and/or hyperparathyroidism without renal failure suggest that the most important pathogenic factors come from calcium metabolic disorders: excessive parathyroid hormone, vitamin D deficiency, and/or impaired calcium transport. The treatment is subject to the predominant bone lesions: secondary hyperparathyroidism or osteomalacia; but the best attitude remains their prevention.