Lab values and bone disease

Question 1

What conditions can alter serum calcium levels?

Answer 1

Osteomalacia, parathyroid dysfunction, pagets disease, metastatic bone tumors, prolonged immobilization

Question 2

How are serum phosphorus levels (phosphate) related to calcium levels?

Answer 2

Serum phosphorus levels are inversely related to calcium levels and are diminished in osteomalacia associated with malabsorption syndrome

Question 3

When are alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels elevated?

Answer 3

ALP is elevated during early fracture healing and in diseases with increased osteoblastic activity such as metastatic bone tumors.

Question 4

What causes elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK-MM)?

Answer 4

Elevated CK-MM levels occur with muscle damage

Question 5

What conditions can lead to increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels?

Answer 5

Osteomyelitis (bone infection) and bone tumors can increase LDH levels, reflecting tissue destruction or inflammation in the bone

Question 6

How can aspartate aminotranferase (AST) levels be affected in osteomalacia?

Answer 6

AST levels may rise in osteomalacia due to muscle damage or breakdown associated with muscle weakness and pain

Question 7

When might aldolase (ALD) levels be elevated?

Answer 7

ALD levels may be elevated in conditions like osteomalacia or pagets disease, where muscle weakness or pain occurs, leading to muscle breakdown or inflammation.