Measurement Of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Research Articles

Laboratory and Imaging follow-up of the patient with Boné Paget´s

Paget's Disease of Bone (POD) has a viral and/or hereditary etiology, its strong familial component is noticeable, since 40% of patients have a family history of the disease, strengthening the idea that there is an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The main follow-up method used for patients with POP is the measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase, which is also used to assess the initial response to treatment. The purpose of this bibliographical study is to present, synthesize and describe the most relevant aspects that guide the medical follow-up of patients diagnosed with Paget's Disease of Bone, in order to cite and analyze the importance of medical action in the care of these patients, in an attempt to generate knowledge and updates that help in dealing with these patients, above all, to avoid the evolution of the disease and the appearance of possible complications. UpToDate, Scielo, Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed and ebscohost were used as databases, using the following descriptors: Paget's disease, laboratory monitoring, imaging tests, genetics and complications. The pagetic patient can evolve with osteosarcoma, irreversible hearing loss and paraplegia, making its multidisciplinary follow-up essential, through serum and bone alkaline phosphatase dosages, as well as the use of imaging tests, such as scintigraphy and radiography, for research of structural complications or neoplastic transformations, aiming at symptomatic relief along with delaying the progression of the disease, avoiding the total disability of the patient.

Metabolic Bone Disease of Prematurity.

Metabolic Bone Disease of Prematurity.

Decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase and prognostic relevance in adult cardiopulmonary bypass.

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) induces inflammatory responses, which may lead to the loss of alkaline phosphatase (AP) that is consumed in the process of dephosphorylating detrimental extracellular nucleotides in this proinflammatory state. It has been reported that low postoperative AP levels correlate with increased postoperative support requirement and organ dysfunction after paediatric cardiac surgery. However, little is known about the perioperative development and clinical relevance of AP depletion in adults undergoing CPB. A total of 183 patients with a preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction ≤50% undergoing mitral valve surgery ± concomitant related procedures at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, between 2013 and 2016 were included in this retrospective analysis. Serum AP measurements at baseline and on postoperative days 1-15 were collected. Absolute and relative drop of AP on postoperative day 1 from baseline was correlated with perioperative and early postoperative parameters. Receiver operating characteristics were used to define suitable predictors and cut-offs for postoperative outcome variables. Receiver operating characteristics showed a reduction of >50% of baseline AP to predict in-hospital mortality [area under the curve (AUC) 0.807], prolonged intensive care unit stay (>72 h, AUC 0.707), prolonged mechanical ventilation (>24 h, AUC 0.712) and surgery-related dialysis requirement (AUC 0.736). Patients with a perioperative reduction in circulating AP to levels below 50% of baseline had a significantly decreased survival. Patients with high perioperative AP loss had higher preoperative AP levels (P < 0.001), longer CPB duration (P < 0.001) and higher incidence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (P < 0.001). Increased perioperative AP loss is associated with adverse early outcome. Prospective trials are needed to determine whether this effect can be counteracted by perioperative AP supplementation.

Juvenile Paget’s disease: Report of a family with a novel missense mutation and unique radiological manifestations in a heterozygote

Abstract Juvenile Paget’s disease (JPD) is a rare, generalized skeletal disorder characterized by markedly increased bone turnover secondary to enhanced osteoclastic activity. The patients with JPD develop progressive, widespread skeletal involvement and non-skeletal manifestations. Objectives To identify the characteristic molecular, biochemical, radiological, and audiological findings in three siblings with JPD associated with intrafamilial phenotypic variability. Patients and Methods A Saudi family with 3 affected siblings was recruited. Biochemical measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase and markers of bone turnover were performed. Genetic testing and sequencing of a panel of 22 known genes for skeletal dysplasia with increase bone density were performed by next generation sequencing (NGS). Radiological and audiological assessment were also performed. Results Patients showed marked elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase and markers of bone turnover. A novel homozygous mutation c.433T&amp;gt;G (p.Cys145Gly) in exon 3 of TNFRSF11B gene was identified in the 3 affected siblings. Both parents were heterozygous for the mutation. The heterozygote father had thickening of calvarium, a radiological manifestation of JPD. The eldest child (index case) had a unique striking distortion of the skull bones as evidenced by 3-D computed tomography of skull. He had also bilateral inner ear structural deformity and severe sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusions: JPD is a rare disorder that can be highly overlooked due to phenotypic overlap with other disorders of skeletal dysplasia. Mutations affecting cysteine residues result in the most severe JPD phenotypes. NGS is useful for early diagnosis of JPD, a prerequisite for successful treatment strategy.

Evaluation of serum alkaline phosphatase measurement through the 4-year trueness verification program in China.

Background Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is critical for various diseases. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine had recommended the new reference procedure in 2011, but many manufacturers did not trace results to the higher procedure. Since 2012, the National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL) in China has organized the trueness verification program (TV) with commutable materials. The present study summarizes the 4-year TV program to give an overview of the measurement standardization for ALP results. Methods Commutable serum-based materials with different concentrations were prepared and sent to participating laboratories. The target values were assigned by the reference lab network. Results The analytical performance was evaluated according to three indexes: trueness (bias), imprecision (CV) and accuracy (total error [TE]). The number of participating laboratories increased from 115 in 2012 to 287 in 2016. The pass rates of precision for homogeneous and heterogeneous systems were all above 85% over the 4 years; however, the pass rates of bias were much lower (<50%). Among the homogeneous systems, Roche Cobas/Modular had an obvious negative bias, whereas the mean positive bias for Beckman AU was prominent. As to the heterogeneous systems, the pass rates of bias for Sichuan Maccura (57.1%-78.6%) were higher than Roche Cobas/Modular (4.4%-33.9%) and Beckman AU (35.7%-64.8%). Conclusions The PT/EQA program with commutable materials can be used to assess the trueness against target values assigned by reference procedures. For ALP, homogeneous systems did not perform better than heterogeneous systems. The bias for ALP performance was notable and was the main obstacle to its standardization in China.

Computer-assisted quantitative evaluation of bisphosphonate treatment for Paget's disease of bone using the bone scan index.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effect of treatment of Paget's disease of bone (PDB) with bone scintigraphy using a computer-assisted diagnosis system (BONENAVI) that quantitatively evaluates bone metabolism. Seven patients with PDB (three male, four female; average age, 60 years; age range, 33–80 years) underwent bone scintigraphy and measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone-specific ALP (BAP), serum cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTx) of type I collagen, urinary NTx, and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) before and after bisphosphonate treatment. Bone scan index (BSI), artificial neural network (ANN) value, and hotspot number (HSn) were calculated using BONENAVI software. Mean follow-up period was 22 months (range, 11–35 months). Among three BONENAVI parameters (ANN, BSI, and HSn), only BSI was significantly lower after bisphosphonate treatment as compared with before. All bone metabolic markers excluding DPD were significantly lower following bisphosphonate treatment than before. Bone formation markers (ALP and BAP) were significantly lower than bone resorption markers (U-NTx and S-NTx). The correlation of BONENAVI parameters with four bone metabolic markers was analyzed before and after bisphosphonate treatment. Before treatment, the majority of the four markers did not correlate with the BONENAVI parameters. In contrast, post-treatment ALP, BAP, and U-NTx were significantly correlated with BSI and HSn. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the treatment of PDB by bone scintigraphy using a computer-assisted diagnosis system that quantitatively evaluates bone metabolism. The findings demonstrated that, using BONENAVI software, bone scintigraphy is able to quantitatively and spatially evaluate the bisphosphonate treatment effect, particularly in patients with polyostotic PDB.

Bone Mineral Density According to Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry is Associated with Serial Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Level in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants at Discharge

To examine bone mineral density in extremely low birth weight infants at discharge and investigate whether serial measurements of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and phosphate can predict bone mineralization. The individuals were 70 preterm infants. Serum calcium, phosphate, and ALP were measured at weekly intervals during admission in extremely low birth weight infants (mean gestational age, 25.3±2.1 weeks; birth weight, 812.8±141.1g). Bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) of the lumbar spine was prospectively evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at discharge (n=70). BMAD was classified as poor (<25th percentile) at <0.014g/cm3, fair (25th-75th percentile) at <0.014-0.021g/cm3, and good (>75th percentile) at >0.021g/cm3, based on the distribution of BMAD values in infants with noncomplicated courses of prematurity (n=43). In a further multivariate analysis, the number of total parenteral nutrition days, phosphate at 2 postnatal weeks and 3 postnatal weeks, and ALP at 4 postnatal weeks and 5 postnatal weeks had an impact on bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, independent of gestational age and body weight. Peak ALP activities exceeding 650IU/L revealed low bone mineral density with 80% sensitivity and 64% specificity (AUC, 0.70; p=0.005). Serial measurements of serum ALP and phosphate are associated with decreased bone mineralization by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at discharge in extremely low birth weight infants.

Pre-operative serum alkaline phosphatase as a predictive indicator of post-operative hypocalcaemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

This study aimed to evaluate whether a pre-operative elevated serum alkaline phosphatase level is a potential predictor of post-operative hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy. Data was retrospectively collected from the case notes of patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy. Patients were divided into Graves' disease and non-Graves' groups. Pre-operative and post-operative biochemical markers, including serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone levels, were reviewed. A total of 225 patients met the inclusion criteria. Graves' disease was the most common indication (n = 134; 59.5 per cent) for thyroidectomy. Post-operative hypocalcaemia developed in 48 patients (21.3 per cent) and raised pre-operative serum alkaline phosphatase was noted in 94 patients (41.8 per cent). Raised pre-operative serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly associated with post-operative hypocalcaemia, particularly in Graves' disease patients (p < 0.05). Pre-operative serum alkaline phosphatase measurements help to predict post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia, especially in patients who do not develop hypoparathyroidism. Ascertaining the pre-operative serum alkaline phosphatase level in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy may help surgeons to identify at-risk patients.

A higher serum alkaline phosphatase is associated with the incidence of hip fracture and mortality among patients receiving hemodialysis in Japan

Monitoring of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is recommended in the management of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). However, unlike calcium, phosphate or parathyroid hormone, the relationship between serum ALP and patient outcome receiving hemodialysis (HD) in Japan is unknown. Baseline data of 185 277 HD patients with duration >90 days (66 ± 12 years, males 61.9%, and median HD duration of 5.8 years) were extracted from a nationwide dialysis registry at the end of 2009 in Japan. Outcomes were then evaluated using the registry at the end of 2010 using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. During 1-year follow-up, 14 230 (7.9%) patients died of all causes, including 6396 (3.6%) cardiovascular deaths. In addition, 1586 patients (1.0%) were newly diagnosed as hip fractures. All-cause and cardiovascular mortality and the incidence of hip fracture were higher in line with the increase in baseline serum ALP. On multivariate analysis, patients with the highest ALP quartile had higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities and a higher incidence of hip fracture than those with the lowest quartile [odds ratio (OR) 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-1.60; OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.10-1.42; and OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.33-2.18, respectively]. In this large cohort study, higher serum ALP levels were independently associated not only with mortality but also with the incidence of hip fracture in Japanese HD patients. Further study is needed to test whether serum ALP measurements could improve the patient outcomes.

Repeated Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Measurements in the Treatment of Childhood Acute Bone and Joint Infections with High Doses of Antibiotics

Levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the hepatic enzyme ALT are used to monitor medication toxicity [1]. ALP is important in osteoarticular processes because, excluding the liver, the highest concentrations of this enzyme can be found in the bone [1, 2]. High doses of clindamycin and first-generation cephalosporins have cytotoxic effects against osteoblasts in vitro [3-5]. The serum concentration of bone-specific ALP reflects the cellular activity of osteoblasts, and ALP elevation is encountered during bone formation or increased bone turnover [2, 6]. Furthermore, high ALP concentrations are found under septic conditions [2, 6-8]. ALP values are age and gender specific and vary throughout infancy and puberty [6].

Serum Total Alkaline Phosphatase Enzyme Levels in Chronic Periodontitis Patients Among Tamilnadu Population

A B S TR A C T Serum alkaline phosphatase enzymemeasurementsareused as a diagnostic assay for chronic periodontitis.The present study was carried out to compare the serum total alkaline phosphatase level among healthy individuals and chronic periodontitis patientsin Tamilnadu and evaluate racial behavior in enzyme level.Serum samples were obtained from 31healthy individuals and 36 chronic periodontitis patients. The serumwas thenassayed for total alkaline activity (ALP) level using a fully automated analyzer.The data were tabulated and statistically analysed.Comparison of the total alkaline phosphatase activity between the healthy and chronic periodontitis groups showed an increase in total alkaline phosphatase activity among chronic periodontitis.The results were similar to other studies suggestive of using serum alkaline phosphatase measurement as a reliable assay for chronic periodontitis and there is no racial or ethnic differences.

Serial measurements of serum alkaline phosphatase for early prediction of osteopaenia in preterm infants

Osteopaenia commonly occurs in preterm infants; however, its diagnosis is often delayed when based on radiological findings. The aim of this study was to examine whether serial measurements of bone turnover markers are useful for early prediction of osteopaenia in preterm infants. Premature infants of ≤ 34 weeks gestation were enrolled. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone form ALP (BALP), calcium and inorganic phosphate were concurrently measured biweekly from 3 weeks post-natal age until 40 weeks post-conceptional age. Radiographic examination of the forearm was performed at term age. Osteopaenia was defined as positive radiographic findings according to Koo's criteria. Of the 46 premature infants completing the follow-up study at term age, 18 showed osteopaenia in radiographic examination. Serum ALP was highly correlated with BALP (R(2) = 0.93, P < 0.001). Infants who had osteopaenia showed a higher level of ALP and BALP after 3 weeks post-natal age than those who had no osteopaenia. ALP concentration exceeding 700 IU/L at 3 weeks post-natal age was predictive of osteopaenia at term age (sensitivity 73% and specificity 73%) and so did for the predictive value of BALP concentration exceeding 95 ug/L (sensitivity 73% and specificity 80%). BALP measures provided no greater benefit of diagnostic performance than ALP in early detection of osteopaenia. Furthermore, premature infants with osteopaenia showed similar levels of calcium and inorganic phosphatase concentration compared with those without. Serum ALP concentration exceeding 700 IU/L at 3 weeks post-natal age can predict the risk of osteopaenia in preterm infants.

Perinatal hypophosphatasia presenting as neonatal epileptic encephalopathy with abnormal neurotransmitter metabolism secondary to reduced co‐factor pyridoxal‐5′‐phosphate availability

We describe two neonates presenting with perinatal hypophosphatasia and severe epileptic encephalopathy resulting in death. Both had increased levels of urinary vanillactate, indicating functional deficiency of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, a pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme required for dopamine and serotonin biosynthesis. Clinical findings and results of subsequent metabolic investigations were consistent with secondary pyridoxine-deficient encephalopathy. These patients highlight the importance of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase in the neuronal PLP-dependent metabolism of neurotransmitters. In addition, the disturbance of PLP metabolism appears to underlie the predominant neurological presentation in our patients. We recommend the measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) during the assessment of perinatal seizures.

Effect of the sterol demethylation-inhibiting fungicide fenarimol on selected biochemical parameters in rats

Fenarimol, a 2,4'-dichloro-α-(pyrimidin-5-yl) benzhydryl alcohol fungicide and steroid demethylation inhibitor, has been reported to affect the actions of multiple CYP450 isoforms, including key enzymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fenarimol on a set of biochemical parameters in rats. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with a 200 mg kg-1 dose of fenarimol. Blood samples were collected for measurements of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) activity, and levels of glucose, urea, sodium, and potassium. Serum was analysed at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 and 72 h following injection. Our results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in ALP, ALT, AST, CK activities and levels of urea from time to time (p<0.05). Our results demonstrate that treatments with fenarimol can alter the activity and levels of selected serum enzymes and biochemical parameters in rats.

Delayed Development of Paget's Disease in Offspring Inheriting SQSTM1 Mutations

Familial Paget's disease is associated with mutations in SQSTM1. We compared the age at diagnosis and severity of Paget's disease in parents with SQSTM1 mutations to their offspring who inherited a mutation. At any given age, the offspring were less likely to be diagnosed with Paget's disease and had less severe disease than their parents. Mutations in sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) occur in 25-50% of cases of familial Paget's disease and are thought to be disease-causing. We sought to determine whether there are differences in age at diagnosis and severity of disease in parents and their offspring who share the same genetic predisposition to Paget's disease. Eighty-four offspring from 10 families (29 index patients with Paget's disease) with mutations in SQSTM1 were approached, and 58 agreed to participate. The ubiquitin-binding domain region of SQSTM1 was sequenced, and the presence or absence of the known mutation was established. The presence of Paget's disease in offspring who had inherited an SQSTM1 mutation was determined by bone scintigraphy and measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Twenty-three of 58 offspring had inherited a germline mutation in SQSTM1. The mean ALP was 77 U/liter in offspring with mutations and 72 U/liter in those without mutations (p=0.84). Scintiscans from four offspring (mean age, 45 years; mean ALP, 139 U/liter; mean skeletal involvement, 6%) showed evidence of Paget's disease but were normal in the other 19 (mean age, 44 years; mean ALP, 64 U/liter). In comparison, in the 15 parents of the 23 offspring, the mean age of diagnosis was 48 years, the mean ALP was 850 U/liter, and the mean skeletal involvement was 30%. There was a 63% reduction in the risk of being diagnosed with Paget's disease at a comparable age in the offspring compared with the parents (p=0.028). Only 17% of offspring inheriting an SQSTM1 mutation had evidence of Paget's disease on scintigraphy, and this was diagnosed at a later age and was less extensive than in their affected parents. SQSTM1 thus shows incomplete penetrance. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that an environmental factor is important in the pathogenesis and clinical phenotype of familial Paget's disease and that exposure to this factor may be falling.

Guidelines for diagnosis and management of Paget's disease of bone in Japan

We here propose guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Paget's disease of bone (PDB) in Japan. These guidelines provide basic information on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis, indications for treatment, and available therapy, including orthopedic surgery. PDB is a chronic disorder characterized by focal abnormalities of bone turnover. The characteristic feature of PDB is excessive osteoclastic bone resorption coupled to increased and disorganized bone formation. The most common symptom of PDB is pain in involved bones. The most serious complication of PDB is malignant bone or soft-tissue tumor. PDB is uncommon in Japan; our survey in 2003 found 169 patients with PDB. The prevalence of PDB in Japan is 0.15/100 000; in patients aged 55 years or more, the proportion reaches 0.41/100 000. A careful medical history and physical examination are essential for the diagnosis. The diagnosis of PDB is based on finding the typical features on radiographs. Bone scintigraphy and measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase are sensitive means of screening for PDB. Since PDB is a rare disease in Japan, bone biopsy is quite often used to exclude bone metastases. The only evidence-based indication for treatment of PDB is pain in involved bones. In Japan, etidronate and calcitonin are approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for treating PDB, but currently risedronate is also under development for treating PDB in Japan. Indications for surgical intervention in PDB include unstable fractures, osteoarthritis, malignant soft-tissue tumor, osteosarcoma, and bone deformity.

Bone mineralisation in premature infants cannot be predicted from serum alkaline phosphatase or serum phosphate

Background: The bone mineral content of premature infants at term is lower than in mature infants at the same postconceptional age. Serum alkaline phosphatase and serum phosphate are often used...

Intravenously Administered Pamidronate in the Treatment of Paget’s Disease of Bone

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of intravenously administered pamidronate in patients with Paget’s disease of bone. MethodsWe conducted a prospective nonrandomized study and reviewed the related literature. Eighty patients (52 women and 28 men, ranging in age from 53 to 93 years; mean age, 76) were treated with pamidronate intravenously in a total dose of 180 mg during a 6- or 3-week period. All patients had bone scintigraphy and x-ray findings characteristic of Paget’s disease of bone. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in all patients, and findings on fractionation were consistent with a bone origin. Indications for therapy included extensive disease, pagetic deformities, neurologic complications, pagetic pain, and critical areas of involvement. Blood chemistry profile and complete blood cell counts were determined at baseline and after the last dose of pamidronate. Serum calcium levels were determined after the first and second infusions of pamidronate. Patients underwent clinical and biochemical follow-up assessments, with serum alkaline phosphatase measurements, at 2- to 4-month intervals. Many patients who did not have a remission (defined as normalization of serum alkaline phosphatase level) after the first cycle of therapy or who had a relapse with serum alkaline phosphatase levels increased above the normal range after remission were treated with one or more cycles of intravenously administered pamidronate. ResultsThe mean serum alkaline phosphatase level was 1,051 U/L before therapy and 386 U/L after treatment, a decrease of 63% (P<0.0001). In 50 patients, the serum alkaline phosphatase level declined to normal. Such normalization was noted in 43 of 50 patients (86%) whose baseline alkaline phosphatase was less than 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), in 5 of 13 patients (38%) whose baseline alkaline phosphatase was 3 to 6 times the ULN, and in only 2 of 17 patients (12%) whose baseline alkaline phosphatase exceeded 6 times the ULN. Of 30 patients who did not have a remission, 22 received a second course of therapy, 2 of whom had normalization of the serum alkaline phosphatase level. Pamidronate was well tolerated; only nine patients reported a “flu-like” syndrome after the first infusion. Serum calcium levels decreased in many patients (to as low as 8 mg/dL), but no patients were symptomatic. ConclusionWith intravenous administration of pamidronate in a dose of 180 mg in patients with Paget’s disease of bone, remissions are likely in those whose baseline serum alkaline phosphatase level is <3 times the ULN and unlikely when baseline alkaline phosphatase levels are higher—especially more than 6 times the ULN. (Endocr Pract. 2001;7:423-429)

Goals of treatment for Paget's disease of bone.

The goals of treatment of Paget's disease must be readdressed in the context of the availability of potent bisphosphonate compounds, including pamidronate and, more recently, alendronate and risedronate. These agents differ from the traditional mainstays of therapy, salmon calcitonin and etidronate, in several respects. First, they achieve a reduction in the elevated indices of pagetic bone turnover of about 80%, in contrast with the 50% reduction seen with the older agents. Second, a majority of patients (in the range of 50-75%, depending on the series) achieve biochemical remission, and the duration of remission may exceed 1 year or more after a single course of therapy. Third, with the newer bisphosphonates the quality of newly forming bone after successful treatment is lamellar in appearance (as was the case with etidronate) but there is no clinically significant mineralization abnormality associated with these more recent agents. With prior therapies, the primary goal of treatment was to relieve symptoms. In the absence of complete suppression of abnormal turnover, disease progression was not completely halted in many patients, increasing the risk of long-term complications. The characteristics of the newer agents, however, suggest that in those patients who achieve remission there is a possibility, albeit not yet proven, of arresting progression and reducing the risk of later complications. Many patients have no symptoms at presentation but have active disease at locations where progression could cause bone enlargement and deformity over time. These patients may be considered to be at increased risk of future complications if untreated. Thus, it is recommended that such individuals receive therapy with a potent bisphosphonate with the goal of attaining normal (or near normal) biochemical indices after initial treatment and/or retreatment. Patients should be followed with measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase every 4-6 months after a course of therapy, and retreatment is suggested when indices rise above the upper limit of normal or by 25% above the previous nadir. The uncommon possibility of secondary resistance to a given agent after more than one treatment course should be assessed in all patients.

Measurement of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase with a Surface Acoustic Wave Impedance Sensor Device

Measurement of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase with a Surface Acoustic Wave Impedance Sensor Device