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Transient hyperphosphatasaemia of infancy
E Schönau1, K H Herzog, H J Böhles
1Kinderklinik, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Insights
High alkaline phosphatase activity in transient hyperphosphatasaemia (THP) may stem from atypical isoenzymes. This finding, particularly after rotavirus infection, could aid in diagnosing THP.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Chemistry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Transient hyperphosphatasaemia (THP) is a benign condition characterized by elevated serum phosphate levels.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme with several isoenzymes, commonly measured in clinical diagnostics.
Observation:
- Five patients with THP exhibited elevated levels of "atypical" alkaline phosphatase (ALP) or its fragment isoenzymes.
- One case of THP with atypical ALP was observed following rotavirus infection.
Findings:
- Incubation with neuraminidase suggested that atypical ALP originated from highly glycosylated bone and liver ALP isoenzymes.
- Virus-induced reduction in isoenzyme clearance from serum is a potential mechanism for elevated atypical ALP in THP.
- The study tracked the changes in isoenzyme activities during THP following rotavirus infection.
Implications:
- The determination of atypical alkaline phosphatase may serve as a useful diagnostic marker for transient hyperphosphatasaemia.
- Understanding the biochemical alterations in THP can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient management.
Abstract:
In five patients with benign transient hyperphosphatasaemia (THP), high activities of so-called "atypical" alkaline phosphatase or fragment isoenzymes were detected. One case occurred after rotavirus infection. Incubation with neuraminidase suggested that "atypical" alkaline phosphatase originated from highly glycosylated bone and liver isoenzymes. This may have been due to virus-induced low isoenzyme clearance from serum. The course of isoenzyme activities in THP following rotavirus infection was followed. Determination of atypical alkaline phosphatase may be useful in the diagnosis of THP.