[Myopathy in uremic patients]. / Myopathie chez l'urémique.

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.

[Myopathy in the uremic patient: apropos of a case]. / Myopathie chez l'urémique: à propos d'une observation.

Uremic myopathy is relatively unknown, despite the fact that it can be quite a severe handicap. It is a non-specific proximal myopathy which must be distinguished from uremic polyneuropathy. Several disorders linked to renal insufficiency have been implicated, but these only play an adjuvant role with regard to renal osteodystrophy. Indeed the presence of myopathy in cases of severe osteodystrophy, its similarity to the myopathies associated with different types of osteomalacia and hyperparathyroidism without renal failure, suggest that the most important pathogenic factor is related to disorders of the calcium phosphate metabolism: excessive parathyroid hormone, vitamin D deficiency and/or impaired calcium transport. Treatment will depend on the predominant bone lesions: secondary hyperparathyroidism or osteomalacia. However prevention remains the best course.