First blood results- Raised serum alkaline phosphates level.

[Jo1947]

I have just got hold of my 1st blood results after 4 weeks of Pred for PMR. My levels of CRP - 13 and ESR - 50, but there was another raised level,

“Serum alkaline phosphates level (XaLJx) above range 124 U/L - above high reference limit”

After googling and research I find these statements;

Liver function tests, especially alkaline phosphatase, are occasionally elevated, although these abnormalities are more common in patients with GCA than isolated PMR. The creatine kinase (CK) is always normal.

Recommended investigations (minimum data set) in GCA

. Full-blood count, urea and electrolytes (U&E), liver function tests, CRP and ESR:

an acute-phase response is characteristic of GCA (raised ESR, CRP, anaemia and thrombocytosis, abnor- mal liver function tests, particularly raised alkaline phosphatase, raised a-1 and a-2 globulins on serum electrophoresis).

. Chest radiograph.

. Urinalysis.

. Other relevant investigations to exclude mimicking

conditions.

This has alarmed me!! it’s too late to check for GCA as 4 weeks on Pred. I don’t have any signs of GCA. The Doctor hasn’t mentioned anything about this, don’t think he knows anyway. Has anyone else had this reading blood test, thank you all xx

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No idea what the reading was - I've had raised alk phos levels and my diagnosis is also PMR.

I did have some signs of GCA - I briefly had scalp pan and jaw claudication both of which went away all on their own. But the significant question is are all your symptoms you DID have gone on the dose you are on?

Don't panic.

[Jo1947]

Thanks PMR pro for coming back so quickly, Yes all the symptoms I had went in a couple of days of me starting Pred, 15mg at present and I am totally pain free. Have agreed a dead slow taper with my Doc starting in a couple of weeks.

The information on phosphates levels is documented in, Useful information, BSR guidelines management of GCA

[Jo1947 in reply to Jo1947]

Hi PMR, I think my post my have got rid of itself!! Or can you still see it posted, thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Jo1947]

The one starting "Thanks PMR pro..."? - it is there.