Alkaline phosphatase marker. Why is ALP levels elevated?

Synonyms: alkaline phosphatase, ALP, ALKP

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is an enzyme that can be found in many body tissues, including the liver, bones, intestines, and placenta. Depending on the location of the enzyme, it is divided into several fractions, which are called isoenzymes. In the blood serum, the total activity of alkaline phosphatase is usually determined, that is, the total amount of all isoenzymes in the blood, but if necessary, an analysis can be made for a specific isoenzyme. In adults, alkaline phosphatase is represented mainly by hepatic and bone isoenzymes in approximately equal amounts. Other isoenzymes are present in small amounts.

Alkaline phosphatase testing is usually performed to diagnose conditions associated with the hepatobiliary system (gall bladder, liver, and bile ducts) or bone disease. Diseases that destroy the cells of organs containing alkaline phosphatase lead to the release of alkaline phosphatase into the blood, and, accordingly, an increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood.

An increase in the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood occurs with all forms of cholestasis (stagnation of bile in the liver tissues and a decrease in its flow into the duodenum), especially with obstructive jaundice.

Alkaline phosphatase in bone is produced by special cells called "osteoblasts" that are involved in bone formation. Any condition that affects bone growth or causes increased bone cell activity can affect blood levels of ALP. An alkaline phosphatase test can be used, for example, to detect cancer that has spread to the bone, or to help diagnose Paget's disease (a skeletal disease in which one or more bones are damaged as a result of abnormal bone remodeling). Also, an ALP test can sometimes be used to monitor treatment for Paget's disease or other bone conditions such as vitamin D deficiency.

Norms of alkaline phosphatase in the blood

Normally, a small amount of alkaline phosphatase is present in the blood due to constant cell renewal. However, when a large number of cells die, the level of alkaline phosphatase rises significantly.

The norms of alkaline phosphatase may differ depending on age, gender, method of determining alkaline phosphatase. When deciphering the analyzes, one should rely on the standards of the laboratory that did the analysis.

Alkaline phosphatase is elevated

An increase in blood alkaline phosphatase is most often associated with liver disease or bone disease. The level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood can be greatly increased, for example, with blockage of the bile ducts. A less significant increase in ALP is possible with cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, taking drugs that are toxic to the liver, or liver cancer. Any condition that causes excessive bone formation, including Paget's disease, as well as other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and fractures, can lead to an increase in alkaline phosphatase levels.

If, in addition to alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin is elevated in the blood, and then usually an increase in alkaline phosphatase is associated with the liver. A simultaneous increase in ALP and , also indicates the hepatic origin of enzymes in the blood, but if normal, then ALP can be increased due to the bone fraction. An increase in the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood in parallel with alkaline phosphatase also indicates damage to bone tissue.

The level of alkaline phosphatase increases during pregnancy due to the placental isoenzyme. Children and teenagers usually have higher blood levels of ALP because their bones are still growing.

Alkaline phosphatase is lowered

A low level of alkaline phosphatase is much less common than an elevated one. A decrease in the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood can be caused by a deficiency of zinc and magnesium in the body, a rare genetic bone disease - hypophosphatasia, with malnutrition and protein deficiency in the body.

Alkaline phosphatase is an indicator that often appears in a comprehensive biochemical blood test. This enzyme is responsible for the functions of many organs, primarily the liver and the musculoskeletal system. It got its name because it is most active in an alkaline environment, where the pH is from 8 to 10. The normal concentrations of this substance are in a fairly large range, so only significant deviations become clinically significant. For the correct interpretation of this analysis, it is necessary to have an idea about the function of the enzyme and its norms by age.

What is alkaline phosphatase used for?

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme from the group of hydrolases. Under its influence, dephosphorylation reactions occur in the body - the elimination of phosphates from bioorganic compounds at the molecular level. According to localization, several types of phosphatases are distinguished:

• intestinal;
• hepatic;
• placental;
• bone;
• renal.

In laboratories, the overall level of alkaline phosphatases of the body is determined, which reflect the functions of the liver and bone tissue. The enzyme transfers phosphorus between molecules and cell membranes, and therefore, participates in the regulation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism along with parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.

Alkaline phosphatase is synthesized in osteoblasts - structural units of bones, as well as in hepatocytes - cells that form the stroma of the liver. When the activity of these cells increases, or when they are destroyed, the production of the enzyme increases and its concentration in the blood increases.

Regulation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism. Alkaline phosphatase works in all organs involved in it.

The dominant site of enzyme production is the liver. After its synthesis by the cells of this organ, the enzyme, together with bile, enters the intrahepatic ducts, through which it flows out of the liver into the common bile duct, which flows into the duodenum.

If there is an obstruction to the outflow of bile, then alkaline phosphatase rises simultaneously with other components of bile synthesized in the liver, such as cholesterol. This condition is called cholestasis, in which alkaline phosphatase in the blood will always be elevated.

In second place in importance is alkaline phosphatase of bones. It plays a role in bone renewal and regeneration. If the bones grow or fuse after fractures, then the activity of alkaline phosphatase increases and this is the norm.

Giardia in children symptoms and treatment

Normal values ​​of the enzyme in the blood

Alkaline phosphatase fluctuations in the blood are normal. Depending on the laboratory, enzyme values ​​can range from 43 to 148 IU/L (international units per liter). The results of the analysis may be higher, and this will be the norm.

The level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood depends on the person's age and sex. In women during pregnancy, the enzyme is sometimes slightly higher than the average values, but this will be within the normal range. In children, the rates are often higher than in adults. Such changes are explained by the peculiarities of hormonal and other vital systems in a certain period of life.

The results also depend on the reagents used in the laboratory: there is no standardized universal method for determining alkaline phosphatase. The table shows the average values ​​of the alkaline phosphatase norm by age and gender.

To obtain reliable results, proper preparation for the study is necessary:

• 12 hours before the study, do not eat or drink water;
• 2 hours before the study, exclude physical activity and stress;
• do not smoke one hour before the examination.

Causes of an increase in alkaline phosphatase

If the patient has complaints such as fatigue, loss of appetite, discomfort or pain in the right hypochondrium, bone pain or nausea, then the level of alkaline phosphatase should be determined - in these situations it is often elevated. The most significant result will be for the diagnosis of diseases of the bones and liver.

The detection of high enzyme values ​​also occurs in the absence of any symptoms, for example, during a routine medical examination or during preparation for surgical operations. To clarify the activity in this case, you can take the analysis a second time, a repeated high result shows that there is a deviation.

An increase in alkaline phosphatase is evaluated in a complex way: if other liver enzymes (AST and ALT) increase along with it, then this indicates diseases of the liver and gallbladder, but if calcium and phosphorus values ​​deviate from the norm along with the enzyme, then it is necessary to examine the bones and parathyroid gland .

There are 4 main groups of conditions that can lead to an increase in alkaline phosphatase:

1. 1. Changes in the system of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas. Variants of pathologies include obstructive jaundice with gallstones or with cancer of the head of the pancreas or stomach, cancer and cirrhosis of the liver, viral and autoimmune hepatitis. Infectious mononucleosis, which leads to an enlarged liver, also contributes to an increase in the enzyme.
2. 2. Diseases of the bones and parathyroid gland. These diseases include any lesions of the parathyroid gland with changes in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, osteomalacia, rickets, myeloma. Less common is Paget's disease, in which the bone structure is disturbed. Metastases of any cancer to the bone can also cause an increase.
3. 3. Other causes associated with diseases. Myocardial infarction, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, hematological diseases - all of them can lead to an increase in alkaline phosphatase, but quite rarely. It is impossible to rely in the diagnosis of these diseases only on an increase in this enzyme.
4. 4. Non-painful conditions. These include pregnancy, childhood and adolescence, when an increase in alkaline phosphatase is physiological. The level of the enzyme is also affected by the intake of certain medications - antibiotics, combined oral contraceptives, and some others. After the end of treatment with these drugs, the enzyme level returns to normal.

Reasons for the decline

A decrease in alkaline phosphatase is much less common. This can either indicate dangerous diseases or be a sign of minor deviations from the norm, so a visit to the doctor should not be neglected. A decrease in the enzyme occurs in the following conditions:

• hemotransfusion in a large volume, large blood loss;
• hypofunction of the thyroid gland and its diseases;
• severe anemia with hemoglobin below 90 g/l;
• deficiency of magnesium and zinc;
• hypophosphatasia - congenital deficiency of alkaline phosphatase, which is clinically manifested by softening of bone and dental tissue;
• placental insufficiency in pregnant women.

Deformation of the bones of the skeleton with hypophosphatasia

Treatment

For a qualitative assessment of changes in the concentration of alkaline phosphatase in the blood, any doctor needs some additional examination methods. It:

• general and detailed biochemical blood test;
• general urine analysis;
• ultrasound examination of the liver and biliary tract;
• x-ray of bones and joints, if they have complaints.

Only after that the doctor will be able to prescribe adequate treatment.

Treatment of an increase in alkaline phosphatase is carried out in accordance with the detected pathology. If the liver suffers, then hepatoprotective and detoxification therapy, supported by choleretic agents, are prescribed. The drugs used in the treatment are:

1. 1. Heptral.
2. 2. Essentiale forte.
3. 3. Hofitol.
4. 4. Gepamerz.
5. 5. Alfanormix.
6. 6. Ursodeoxycholic acid.
7. 7. Trimedat.

The listed drugs are included in different pharmacological groups, only the doctor is engaged in the selection of the dosage, their independent use is unacceptable. Folk remedies (decoctions and infusions of choleretic herbs - immortelle, wormwood, tansy, dandelion) are justified only if they reinforce the main drug therapy. With complex treatment, alkaline phosphatase can be reduced faster.

If problems with the bones are identified, then the treatment is prescribed by a traumatologist or rheumatologist. Usually used drugs that stimulate bone growth and vitamin D3. If hematological disorders are detected, the patient is referred to a hematologist. Treatment by a hematologist is specific, drugs are not sold in the pharmacy network, alternative methods of treatment only harm health.

Thus, when an elevated alkaline phosphatase is detected, a thorough additional examination is necessary to make the correct diagnosis and conduct the correct treatment.

And some secrets...

A healthy liver is the key to your longevity. This body performs a huge number of vital functions. If the first symptoms of a disease of the gastrointestinal tract or liver were noticed, namely: yellowing of the sclera of the eyes, nausea, rare or frequent stools, you simply must take action.

Alkaline phosphatase is a specific enzyme belonging to the group of hydrolases. It is necessary in order for dephosphorylation reactions to successfully take place in the body, namely: the elimination of phosphate from organic substances, which occurs at the molecular level. Carrying phosphorus through the cell membrane, phosphatase has a certain constant concentration in the blood and is an indicator of the norm of phosphorus-calcium metabolism. The name "alkaline" enzyme was received because it exhibits the greatest activity in the presence of a pH of the medium in the range from 8.6 to 10.1.

Although alkaline phosphatase is one of the most common enzymes, its mechanism of action is not fully understood. It should be noted that in the human body it is present almost everywhere, in all tissues, but it is presented in several varieties: renal, intestinal, placental, hepatic and bone. As for blood serum, in adults, phosphatase is represented by the last two isoenzymes, in relatively equal amounts. In the bones, the enzyme is formed in osteoblasts, and in the liver in hepatocytes. The higher the activity of certain cells, for example, during or during the destruction of liver cells, the higher the level of phosphatase in the blood becomes.

The norm of alkaline phosphatase in the blood

As for the normal level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood, these indications fluctuate in a fairly wide range, they can range from 44 to 147 IU / l. In this case, it is worth paying attention to the gender of the person from whom blood was taken for research, as well as to his age. In pregnant women, this indicator may be slightly overestimated, as well as in adolescents who are in the stage of puberty, but will not indicate any abnormalities in their body. This is simply due to the restructuring of some life support systems, as well as the growth of bone tissue or the placenta.

In addition, the norm indicators may vary depending on the reagents used for its study in various laboratories, since there is no standardized methodology at the moment. Specific figures change, but the range of their fluctuations, nevertheless, remains insignificant, therefore, when determining the norm, one can rely on the following average indicators:

for children under 10 years old - from 150 to 350

for children from 10 to 19 - from 155 to 500

for adults under the age of 50 - from 30 to 120

for people over 75 years old - from 165 to 190

These reference values ​​are in international units per litre.

A study of an increase or decrease in the level of phosphatase in the blood is carried out according to some indications. This may be preparation for surgery, as well as a routine examination of the patient. They take blood to determine the level of this enzyme and during "liver tests" to assess the functional ability of the organ.

Often, when patients complain of fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, or pain in the right hypochondrium, the level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood is studied. The result is also indicative for the diagnosis of various lesions of bones and bone tissue.

When alkaline phosphatase is elevated, it almost always means either damage or involvement in any pathological process of either the bones, or the liver, or the biliary tract. Additional studies help to distinguish and clarify the results, so if along with this enzyme there is an overestimation of and, then this clearly indicates liver disease. If, in combination with alkaline phosphatase, the level of calcium and phosphorus is increased, then bone tissue damage is evident.

Causes of an increase in alkaline phosphatase

As one or another reason, four main subgroups can be distinguished that lead to an increase in the blood level of this enzyme:

The first group is disorders associated with changes or diseases of the liver. This may be obstructive jaundice, which is caused by obstruction of the biliary tract, stones located in the bile ducts, as well as the occurrence in them after operations. Cancer of either the head of the pancreas, or the stomach, or the liver with metastases. With hepatitis of any origin, an increase in phosphatase is observed, as well as with cirrhosis. Another viral infection, namely an infectious one, can cause liver dysfunction, and as a result, an increase in this enzyme in the blood.

The second group is disorders associated with changes in bone tissue. These include diseases such as osteomalacia (softening of the bone tissue due to calcium deficiency), osteosarcoma affecting bone tissue, Paget's disease (abnormal growth of bones with a change in their structure), fractures, rickets and multiple myeloma.

The third group is other reasons. A jump in alkaline phosphatase levels can be associated with myocardial infarction, with ulcerative colitis and intestinal perforation, as well as with hyperparathyroidism (a hormonal disease characterized by calcium leaching from the bones).

The fourth group is conditions that are not associated with diseases, but are caused by a number of factors. This includes pregnancy, adolescence, healthy women under 20 and healthy men under 30, as well as the use of antibiotics and hormonal drugs for contraception and a number of other drugs that are included in a rather extensive list and contains up to 250 items. Also, if the blood was refrigerated after it was taken for analysis, the level of alkaline phosphatase will be too high.

It should be noted that an increase in the level of this enzyme is not in all cases without exception an indicator of a particular disease. Sometimes it can exceed the norm even in absolutely healthy people. Therefore, in order to judge the presence of a particular pathological process, it is necessary to conduct additional studies and study the results obtained as a whole.

Attention should be paid to a decrease in this enzyme in the blood, since such an indicator can serve as signs of a number of diseases that are no less dangerous than with an increase in the level of phosphatase.

Possible reasons that lead to a decrease in the level of the enzyme:

Massive blood transfusions.

Reduced functionality.

One of the main indicators of a biochemical blood test is alkaline phosphatase (AP). The enzyme takes an active part in the exchange of phosphorus and calcium, reflects the work of the liver, biliary system and musculoskeletal system. Deviation of the ALP marker from acceptable values ​​allows specialists to identify asymptomatic or mild diseases.

With the help of an enzyme, mild diseases are detected

Alkaline phosphatase - what is it?

ALP is a specific enzyme that has several isoforms (depending on its localization). The highest concentration of the isoenzyme is observed in the liver, bile ducts, intestinal mucosa and bone tissue (responsible for bone growth). In pregnant women, the maximum amount of phosphatase is concentrated in the placenta.

Alkaline phosphatase (abbreviation ALP) is responsible for detaching phosphate from the substances with which it enters the body, and its distribution to all cells of the internal organs. The greatest activity of the enzyme is observed in an alkaline environment (pH from 8.62 to 10.2), hence the name of the marker, it is also called acid phosphatase.

The marker is of great diagnostic value. It is one of the five main liver tests and is an indicator of calcium-phosphorus metabolism. The level of alkaline phosphatase shows the state of the liver, bile ducts and bone cells. Often, with the help of an enzyme, the presence of malignant pathologies in the body is checked.

Preparation for analysis

In order for the analysis on ALP to show reliable information, it is important to adhere to the main recommendations of the specialist:

1. You need to donate blood on an empty stomach. 7-12 hours before the procedure, you need to refuse food and any drinks. You can drink water on the eve of the analysis, but in small quantities.
2. The day before the analysis, limit the use of junk food (smoked, fried and fatty foods, spicy sauces and spices).
3. Eliminate stress and emotional overstrain. Get a good night's sleep the night before the test.
4. Limit excessive physical activity.
5. Do not smoke 30-40 minutes before blood sampling.

Before the procedure, you can drink only a small amount of water

The result of the study may be affected by the use of certain medications. So that the indicators are not distorted, the patient must notify the doctor about the drugs that he took on the eve of the delivery of biological material.

The norm of alkaline phosphatase in the blood

The amount of acid phosphatase in plasma is small. In a healthy person, the liver and bone isoform is constantly present in the blood. The reference values ​​of a specific indicator are more dependent on the age of the patient, slightly less on gender. The unit of measurement is an international unit per 1 liter of serum (IU/L).

Table "The norm of alkaline phosphatase in the blood"

Categories of people by age and gender	R reference values, IU/l
In children
In a newborn child	75 to 380
Up to 1 year of age	83 to 470
1 to 10 years	67 to 375
10 to 12	90 to 445
Teenagers
Girls (13–15 years old)	85 to 280
Boys (13–15 years old)	80 to 460
In adults
In men
15–20 years	80 to 230
20–25 years old	56 to 148
From 25 years old	40 to 138
Among women
15–20 years	52 to 115
20–25 years old	45 to 90
From 25 years old	40 to 110
During pregnancy	70 to 250

Acceptable values ​​may vary slightly depending on the equipment and reagents used by different laboratories. Usually, medical institutions indicate their norms on a special form, where the results of the material under study are indicated nearby. The interpretation of the analysis is done by a specialist.

Causes of an increase in alkaline phosphatase

An increase in alkaline phosphatase can be triggered by changes in the hormonal background (in women - menopause, late pregnancy) or be the result of insufficient intake of calcium and phosphorus.

If phosphatase is greatly increased, we can talk about serious diseases:

1. Bone damage. Rickets, tumor neoplasms (metastatic processes in bone cells, sarcoma, bone cancer), softening of bone cells (osteomalacia).
2. Pathological changes in the thyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism).
3. Diseases of the liver. Hepatitis, cirrhosis, oncological seals, cholangitis, biliary cirrhosis, mononucleosis, cholecystitis.
4. Blockage of the bile ducts by stones.
5. Severe deviations in the digestive system. Ulcerative colitis, ulcerative processes in the intestines, pancreatitis, chronic stool disorder.
6. Kidney disorders. Malignant tumors (renal hypernephroma), renal osteodystrophy.

An increase in alkaline phosphatase occurs due to blockage of the bile ducts.

In a healthy person, high alkaline phosphatase can be provoked by long-term use of drugs (antibiotics, hormonal drugs). In children, up to puberty, phosphatase above the norm is considered normal. At this time, bone tissue grows intensively.

Why is phosphatase lowered

A decrease in the ALP marker is less common than its increase, but it also acts as a sign of negative processes in the human body.

Quite often, less than normal phosphatase is the result of dangerous conditions:

• lack of magnesium, vitamin B12 and zinc;
• deterioration in the functioning of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism);
• lack of protein (abnormalities in the kidneys or malnutrition);
• congenital low content of alkaline phosphatase in the body (hypophosphatosis);
• severe anemia.

Thyroid disease causes a decrease in phosphatase

Low phosphatase in pregnant women indicates insufficient development of the placental membrane. This condition requires urgent medical attention.

If alkaline phosphatase is lowered without visible deviations in the human condition, the cause may be drugs that are taken for a long time, or the rules for preparing for analysis have been violated.

How to normalize alkaline phosphatase

An increase or decrease in alkaline phosphatase in itself does not cause harm to the body. Dangerous is a disease that caused serious deviations in the blood marker.

How to lower phosphatase, you can find out by identifying the source of its increase. Therefore, the doctor, having received biochemical analyzes, prescribes an additional examination to the patient. Only after a thorough diagnosis and diagnosis can begin treatment, selected by a specialist.

It is important not to self-medicate and not to try to lower the level of alkaline phosphatase in any way without the permission of a doctor. Otherwise, serious complications and negative consequences can be provoked.

In the biochemical analysis of blood, alkaline phosphatase has an important diagnostic value. A change in the indicator allows specialists to detect problems in the functioning of the liver, kidneys, digestive system in time, as well as assess the condition of the bone tissue. The analysis for alkaline phosphatase has a high reliability. The main thing is to properly prepare for it and not try to make a diagnosis on your own, this should be done by a doctor.

Biochemical processes in living organisms occur with the help of enzymes. The latter play an important role in metabolism at the cellular level. A change in their activity is a sign of a number of diseases. Therefore, it is so important to know what alkaline phosphatase in the blood (AP) is, what is the indicator of its norm.

The content of enzymes of this group is determined in tissues and fluids not only of humans, but also of animals, plants, and microorganisms.

What you need to know about HF

The group of the most studied enzymes includes phosphatases, alkaline and acid. They are widely distributed, but have differences in their properties.

Alkaline phosphatase is most active when the pH of the medium is between 8.4 and 9.4. This is typical for the epithelium of the small intestine, kidneys, liver, bones, white blood cells.

Bone tissue especially needs an enzyme, since it is necessary for it for metabolic processes, calcium saturation.

From those tissues that are involved in the transport of phosphorus, they secrete an alkaline phosphatase group. The level of the enzyme varies even in the same organ or fluid.

A group of phosphatases is synthesized by osteoblasts - cells that are involved in the construction of tissues of the bone apparatus. And for the synthesis of isoenzymes, phosphoric acid is necessary.

There is a lack of phosphatase in muscle tissues and mature connective tissue, its minimum amount in the cells of the walls of blood vessels and hyaline cartilage of the nose, larynx, trachea and bronchi.

Changes in the activity of the phosphatase group depend on hormonal factors and stress. The enzyme level is different in people belonging to different sexes, having unequal ages.

In men, the rate is 20-30 percent higher than in women. But in the blood of pregnant women, an increase in phosphatase units is found. What does it mean? It's okay, it's just that the normal development of systems in the embryo is going on.

The indicator of alkaline phosphatase is used in the diagnosis of diseases associated with the functions of the liver, bone apparatus.

Enzymes are active in rickets, osteogenic sarcoma, tuberculosis, diabetes, when phosphorus-calcium metabolism is disturbed.

At a low rate, hereditary diseases are diagnosed, which are accompanied by skeletal anomalies.

Indications for analysis and conduct

To determine the level of alkaline phosphatase activity, blood biochemistry must be assessed. The study is carried out in a laboratory. They are sent for an ALP blood test in cases where there is a suspicion of:

• pathological process in the liver and kidneys;
• cholelithiasis;
• damage to bone tissue;
• pathologies of the lymphatic or circulatory system caused by infections;
• malignant education.

During pregnancy, blood tests for alkaline phosphatase are also needed.. Biochemical analysis is necessary to evaluate therapeutic measures and before surgery.

Before donating blood for analysis, the patient must:

• refuse to eat eight hours before the procedure;
• do not drink alcohol for two days;
• suspend treatment with drugs and visits to physiotherapy sessions for a while;
• not be subjected to x-ray examinations:
• exclude heavy physical work, sports.

Undergoing analysis, therefore, to assess the level of enzymes, five to ten milliliters of blood will be required. The fluid is taken in the morning from the cubital vein.

Research results and their interpretation

Enzyme activity is determined by colorimetry. By adding certain reagents to the blood serum, reliable data are obtained on the number of phosphatase units in the tissues of the liver, bones, and placenta.

To measure the level of isoenzymes, a system of international units is used, the calculation is per liter of biological fluid.

Norm

The assessment of the concentration of alkaline phosphatase in a biochemical blood test occurs in accordance with the norm of its content:

• in newborns - 250 units per liter;
• in children from one to nine years old - 350;
• from ten to fifteen - 280;
• up to nineteen years, 150 units are considered the norm;
• in adult males, the rate varies from 85 to 145;
• the norm in women is lower by 20-25 units.

The norm in the blood of elderly men reaches 195 units. The differences among adults are due to the fact that the transition to normal concentration in the stronger sex stretches up to 30 years. At this time, bone tissue already reduces the production of phosphatase.

For pregnant women, the normal level is from 25 to 126 units. Experts interpret the results of the analysis, not the patient himself.

Sometimes high enzyme activity in women is associated not only with pregnancy, but also with the use of oral contraceptives.

An excessively high rate indicates complications during pregnancy in the second and third trimester - preeclampsia.

Toxicosis is accompanied by edema, disorders of the nervous system, arterial hypertension.

Relying on the result of the level of isoenzymes in diagnosis is not worth it. Additional testing is carried out to accurately determine the pathological condition.

Causes of increased phosphatase activity

More often, blood tests give an increase in the alkaline phosphatase. Rarely is it low.

The increase in units is due to:

• the presence of cancer;
• liver damage;
• osteoporosis;
• rickets;
• chronic alcoholism;
• sepsis;
• kidney infarction;
• infectious lesions of the lymph nodes, liver, spleen - mononucleosis;
• disease of bone structures - Paget's disease.

Increased activity of alkaline phosphatase in case of poisoning - both food and alcohol. After a fracture, when the bones begin to grow together, a high level of alkaline phosphatase is also determined. Many types of tumors in the human body affect the levels of enzymes in the blood.

Liver diseases cause both an increase in alkaline phosphatase and a low concentration of urea in the blood, an increase in cholesterol. And bone disease shows elevated levels of globulins and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. An additional study will give a complete picture of the disease, disorder.

The cause of many liver dysfunctions is heart failure. In this case, phosphatase will also be increased.

How to reduce the rate

Since the increased content of enzymes of the phosphatase group is associated with diseases of the bones, blood, and organs of the excretory system, the treatment should be aimed specifically at eliminating pathological conditions.

If the process of increase is physiological, then special methods to reduce alkaline phosphatase are not used.

You can reduce the activity of alkaline phosphatase:

• giving up alcohol and cigarettes;
• eating foods rich in phosphorus and calcium;
• taking medications prescribed by a doctor;
• passing timely preventive examinations.

A properly selected diet is useful for patients with elevated levels of phosphatase. A menu without fatty foods, smoked foods, sour fruits and vegetables, fried foods will lead to the fact that the content of enzymes in the blood will return to normal.

Why the activity of alkaline phosphatase is reduced, what to do

The reasons for the decrease in the level of enzymes in the blood lie in the deficiency of vitamins C and group B, and the lack of zinc. This is where anemia develops. They are cured with iron and ascorbic acid preparations.

Signs of beriberi and scurvy are easily identified by bleeding gums, tooth loss, and a hemorrhagic rash.

Diet plays a major role in treatment. It is based on sources of vitamin C.

Congenital disease (hypophosphatasia) is determined by bone deformities, flaccid and flabby skin. The pathological form is based on a low level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood.

Often, newborns with this disease die, and adults suffer from various bone deformities of the chest and feet. Patients bleed frequently.

Lack of protein kwashiorkor in the body leads to severe dystrophy. There is a pathology in children under five years of age, when they do not receive enough protein. They have low levels of glucose and cholesterol in their blood. Determine the lack of potassium, magnesium. Phosphatase activity is also strongly reduced.

Only nutrition correction will bring the child's condition back to normal. From the first days of therapy, preparations containing the necessary elements, vitamins A and B are prescribed.

Cottage cheese, foods rich in amino acids, protein are introduced into the diet. Of fats, preference is given to vegetable fats, which are better absorbed.

Hypothyroidism is a hormonal disorder associated with an underactive thyroid gland. It develops more often in women against the background of diseases of other organs and systems.

Therapy of hormonal failure is aimed at restoring the functioning of the thyroid gland.

To increase the level of iodine in the menu of patients include foods such as seaweed, chicken meat, milk, cheese. The level of hormones is brought back to normal with thyroid preparations.

Low alkaline phosphatase in pregnant women: consequences and treatment

If a decrease in the rate is found in women in a position, then it is usually a symptom of placental insufficiency.

The danger of a pathological condition is that it leads to the death of a newborn or damage to the central nervous system of the fetus.

Placental insufficiency is considered a consequence of complications during pregnancy.

There are health problems due to infections of the genital organs, incompatibility between the mother and fetus according to the Rh factor.

If the expectant mother suffers from diabetes, heart failure, pyelonephritis, then the alkaline phosphatase in the blood will be low. Biochemical analysis of blood changes under the influence of malnutrition, smoking.

When alkaline phosphatase in the blood is reduced during pregnancy, a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out. After identifying the causes of insufficiency, a pregnant woman is prescribed physiotherapy aimed at improving the blood supply to the placenta, electrorelaxation of the uterus.

If the patient has identified diseases of the heart and blood vessels, diabetes mellitus, then appropriate treatment is prescribed.

From drug therapy, emphasis is placed on reducing the concentration of homocysteine ​​in the blood with Angiovit.

Vasodilators such as Trental reduce vascular resistance. In the presence of diabetes mellitus, Heparin, Fraxiparine, acetylsalicylic acid are used in the treatment.

Although pregnancy rarely occurs when a woman has hypothyroidism, a decrease in the hormones produced by the thyroid gland occurs during the period of bearing a baby.

And this is dangerous because irreversible processes can occur in the embryo, leading to deformities..

During pregnancy, it is important for women to do biochemical blood tests on time to determine the alkaline phosphatase index. Timely restoration of its level will help the child to be born healthy.