N25.0: Renal osteodystrophy

Your kidneys are not working properly. This has also affected your bones.

There are normally 2 kidneys in the body. They filter blood and create urine. They thus help to detoxify the body. Furthermore, the kidneys regulate the blood pressure and salt content in the blood, among other things. If the kidneys do not work properly, the levels of important messenger substances and salts in the blood may change.

The kidneys are also involved in the production of vitamin D. If the kidneys do not work properly, the body may not produce enough vitamin D. Vitamin D is a messenger substance in the body. People need vitamin D for things like bones and the immune system. Some of the required vitamin D is produced in the skin from sunlight. This vitamin D is then activated in the liver and kidneys. However, vitamin D is also present in certain foods such as fish.

Changes in blood salts and vitamin D deficiency can affect bones. Pain and bone deformations may occur at the affected areas. If the kidneys stop working properly during childhood, the child may not grow normally.