Serum Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa B Ligand (RANKL) Level as a Maker of Osteoporosis Risk in Children on Regular Hemodialysis

Background: There are substantial clinical, social, and psychological costs associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), making it a crucial issue in public health. The end result of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is renal failure.Aim: Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Additionally, the relationship between serum RANKL and bone mineral density in children on regular hemodialysis was examined. The purpose of this investigation was to examine serum RANKL level as a marker of osteoporosis risk in these children.Patients and methods: Group I consisted of 30 children (mean age 11.7 years) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who were regular hemodialysis patients at the Nephrology Unit of the Pediatrics Department at Al-Zahraa University Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Group II consisted of 30 children (mean age 11.9 years) who were considered to be in good health.Results: There is a 1.3% increase in the likelihood of osteoporosis for every one unit increase in RANKL. There is a 99.1% increase in the likelihood of osteoporosis for every one unit decrease in DEXA scan (Neck of femur Z-score).Conclusion: Children undergoing chronic hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and having poor bone mineral density (BMD) had higher blood RANKL levels compared to children undergoing the same treatment for ESRD and having normal BMD.