[NTx--a sensitive laboratory parameter of bone resorption]

A review of biochemical characteristics, the laboratory principle, as well as the clinical significance and indications of the assessment of the new laboratory parameter of osteoresorption--amino-terminal N-telopeptide of type I collagen of organic bone matrix. NTx is so far the most sensitive biochemical marker of the pathologic bone turn-over. Its assessment is successfully used in: 1. detection of the character of the bone turn-over (osteoresorption) during peri and post-menopause, 2. identification of patients at risk of osteoporosis, 3. monitoring of the effectivity of osteoporosis therapy (biphosphonates, hormonal substitution therapy, calcitonin), 4. diagnosis and control of therapeutic effectivity in M. Paget, 5. early detection of bone metastases in malign diseases. NTx is beneficial in the treatment of out-patients and in clinical practice in the assessment of diagnosis and the therapy of bone metabolic diseases. The advantage of examination resides in easy sample withdrawal and the fast technique of laboratory processing. NTx should become a parameter of routine examination within clinical laboratories.