A study of total serum alkaline phosphatase activity in men following partial gastrectomy

Total serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) activity has been measured in 463 men with partial gastrectomy (Polya type), and in a control group of 271 men with vagotomy with pyloroplasty or gastroenterostomy. An analysis of variance of the values in the range of 3.0 to 11.5 KA units/100 ml showed that the enzyme serum activity is influenced by three independent factors: age, ABO blood group, and the type of operation. Marginally raised levels (12.0-17.0 KA units/100 ml) were found to be affected by the same factors, and it was concluded that these levels do not, usually, indicate either bone or liver disease. In 18 men the total serum alkaline phosphatase was over 17.0 KA units: 16 had Paget's disease of bone, and two had liver disease.