Question
A seven-year-old girl has an alkaline phosphatase level of 251. What factors might lead to this condition? What diseases are suspected? What examinations are recommended?
Answer
The measurement of alkaline phosphatase in clinical settings is primarily used for diagnosing and distinguishing skeletal, liver, and bile duct diseases, especially for the differential diagnosis of jaundice. For unknown reasons of elevated ALP serum levels, isoenzyme determination can be used to help clarify its organ source. Physiological Increase: During the physiological period of skeletal development, children’s alkaline phosphatase activity can be 1 to 2 times higher than that of normal adults. Adolescents in growth stages, pregnant women, and those who consume high-fat foods may also experience increased levels. Pathological Increase:
- Skeletal diseases, such as rickets, osteomalacia, bone malignant tumors, and metastasis of malignant tumors.
- Liver and bile duct diseases, such as extrahepatic bile duct obstruction, liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, and capillary cholangitis.
- Other diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism. For this seven-year-old girl, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive