Efficacy and safety of teriparatide in kidney transplant recipients with osteoporosis and low bone turnover: a real-world experience

Introduction: Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), enhancing survival and quality of life. However, kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at high risk for bone disorders, particularly low bone turnover disease, which increases fracture risk. Teriparatide, an anabolic agent, may provide a beneficial treatment option for these patients. Materials and methods: This single-center, retrospective observational study involved 18 KTRs with osteoporosis, low bone turnover, and a history of vertebral or non-vertebral fractures. Patients received teriparatide (20 μg/day) for up to 2 years. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) at the lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN), and trabecular bone score (TBS) were measured at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years. In addition, bone turnover markers (BTMs), serum calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and kidney function were monitored. Results: Significant increases in LS aBMD were observed after 1 year (0.941 ± 0.152 vs 1.043 ± 0.165, p = 0.04) and maintained after 2 years compared to baseline (0.941 ± 0.152 vs 1.074 ± 0.154, p = 0.03). TH aBMD significantly increased after 2 years (0.753 ± 0.145 vs 0.864 ± 0.141, p = 0.04), while FN and TBS showed non-significant improvement. Teriparatide was well-tolerated, with mild and transient hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia. Conclusion: Teriparatide significantly improved BMD at the LS and TH in KTRs with osteoporosis and low bone turnover, showing a favorable safety profile.