The words this week I want to define are alkaline phosphatase.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that is released by the bile ducts cells ( among other organs). The release of ALP is a marker of stress or injury. So the more injury or stress to the bile duct cells, the higher level of ALP is seen. It is used as a marker of the disease statis and when to begin treatment with Urso. Certainly the lower the number the better. Right now, as of 2023, the ideal targets are under 217. Hopefully in the near future the target number will be under 130.
An elevated ALP can also, as I mentioned, come from other sources - like bone. We will discuss this as well in the future Wednesday posts.
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DonnaBoll
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Good morning, Donna, thank you the explanation. I thought, for females, the ideal numerical value was 138 (in Canada)…my hepatologist said he would be happy to see it at 170. Is there somewhere where I would be able to show him this? Also, would that apply to males as well? Have a great day!
Do you have Dr. Jones' book? I really use this as a Bible when it comes to PBC. He is the leading expert on this compicated disease. So many doctors do need to be educated.
it is nothing short of amazing --- and so easy to understand. When I read it I have a yellow marker with me to save what I need to remember. Let us know what you think after you've had a chance to read some of it.
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