The insignificance of an elevated acid phosphatase in children

Acid phosphatase values in normal children were incorrectly assumed to be within the same range of adult levels. The enzyme was found to be elevated in 25 boys less than 14 years old and did not return to adult levels until after puberty. It is emphasized that extensive genitourinary investigation and prostatic biopsy are not indicated on the basis of elevated enzyme levels in the prepuberal age group.