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Biomedical subjects

K Brixen

Publications and source records attributed to K Brixen.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Effects of a short course of oral phosphate treatment on serum parathyroid hormone(1-84) and biochemical markers of bone turnover: a dose-response study.

To investigate the possible use of oral phosphate as an activator of bone remodeling in coherence treatment of osteoporosis, 82 postmenopausal females, aged 50-75 years, were randomized to treatment with oral phosphate (750, 1500, or 2550 mg/day) or placebo for 7 days and followed for 4 months thereafter. All patients had sustained at least one previous fracture of the distal forearm and had a bone mineral content of the contralateral forearm or bone mineral density of the lumbar spine lower than normal mean for age. Urinary phosphate/creatinine ratio increased in a dose-dependent fashion during treatment (P less than 0.001), whereas no significant changes were seen in serum phosphate or serum calcium. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) rose significantly (P less than 0.05) during treatment to a maximum of 36 and 33% in the groups receiving 1500 and 2250 mg/day, respectively, whereas serum 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol remained unchanged. In the group receiving 1500 mg/day, mean serum osteocalcin was increased in the period from day 1 to day 28 (P less than 0.05), but no significant changes were observed in urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio, or serum bone alkaline phosphatase. We conclude that a short course of oral phosphate treatment increases serum PTH considerably. Furthermore, 1500 mg/day but not 2250 mg/day increases serum osteocalcin. No clear biochemical evidence, however, of increased activation of bone remodeling could be demonstrated in either group.

Administration, Oral↗

Serum levels of fetal antigen 2 in hyperthyroidism and primary hyperparathyroidism.

Serum concentration of fetal antigen 2 (FA2) in patients with hyperthyroidism (n = 18) (median: 12.9 mAU/l; range: 3.2-22.4 mAU/l) was significantly (p < 0.002) higher than in age- and sex-matched healthy controls (median: 4.1 mAU FA2/l; range: 2.4-10.0 mAU FA2/l). Serum FA2 was positively correlated with thyroxine (T4) (Rs = 0.51; p < 0.05), triiodothyronine (T3) (Rs = 0.64; p < 0.01), bone-Gla protein (BGP) (Rs = 0.70; p < 0.01), total alkaline phosphatase (total-AP) (Rs = 0.62; p < 0.01), bone isoenzyme alkaline phosphatase (bone-AP) (Rs = 0.63; p < 0.01), N-terminal procollagen type III (PIIINP) (Rs = 0.65; p < 0.01) and urine OH-proline (OHP) (Rs = 0.79; p < 0.01). In patients with hyperparathyroidism the pretreatment levels of FA2 (n = 8) (median: 17.6 mAU/l; range: 5.2-35.0 mAU/l) were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than those of age- and sex-matched controls (median: 3.7 mAU FA2/l; range: 3.4-9.0 mAU/l). The pretreatment level of FA2 was positively correlated with the parathyroid hormone (PTH) (Rs = 0.80; p < 0.05). Following surgical treatment the serum concentrations of FA2, PTH, and BGP decreased compared to pretreatment levels and the fall in these three parameters revealed parallelism. These data indicate that serum FA2 can be used as a marker in the evaluation of metabolic bone diseases.

Adult↗

Inhibition of the morning cortisol peak abolishes the expected morning decrease in serum osteocalcin in normal males: evidence of a controlling effect of serum cortisol on the circadian rhythm in serum osteocalcin.

Osteocalcin (OC) in serum varies in a remarkably constant circadian rhythm with zenith at night and nadir in the morning. The factors controlling this rhythm are unknown, but several studies indicate that serum cortisol could be of major importance. We tested this hypothesis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study comprising 10 normal male volunteers (aged 23-31 yr) by measuring the response in serum OC and cortisol rhythms to a single dose of metyrapone (30 mg/kg body weight) administered at midnight. During placebo, serum cortisol consistently peaked early in the morning before 0730 h. Ingestion of metyrapone at 2400 h significantly postponed and flattened this peak (P less than 0.01). On both occasions, serum OC increased towards peak levels around 0300 h (P less than 0.01) with no overall differences in the OC profiles. However, when the serum OC time series were synchronized according to the individual cortisol nadirs, we found a significant (P less than 0.01) decrease in serum OC on the placebo day approximately 4 h after the cortisol nadir, whereas no significant changes (P greater than 0.50) were seen on the metyrapone day. Moreover, the mean serum OC level tended to be higher (P less than 0.10 in the interval 0-12 h, and P = 0.06 in the interval 4-8 h) on the metyrapone day compared with the placebo day. On the placebo day, the mean level of serum cortisol during the interval 0-4 h correlated inversely with the mean level of serum OC in the interval 4-8 h (r = 0.77, P less than 0.05). This relation was not found on the metyrapone day. In conclusion, administration of metyrapone, which reduced and postponed the early morning cortisol peak, abolished the normal morning decrease in serum OC. This strongly supports that changes in endogenous serum cortisol are of major importance for the circadian rhythm in serum OC.

Adult↗

Effects of short-term growth hormone treatment on PTH, calcitriol, thyroid hormones, insulin and glucagon.

We measured changes in serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), calcitriol, parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyroid hormones, insulin, and plasma glucagon in response to seven days of treatment with a pharmacological dosage of recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) (0.1 IU/kg sc twice daily) or placebo in 20 normal male volunteers to evaluate whether the effect of r-hGH on biochemical bone markers could be attributed to changes in these hormones. Serum IGF-1 (p < 0.001) and vitamin D-binding protein (p < 0.001) increased steadily during treatment returning to baseline at day 14. Total calcitriol (p < 0.01) and free calcitriol index (p < 0.001) increased transiently at day 4. Furthermore, serum insulin (p < 0.001) and both total (p < 0.001) and free triiodothyronine (p < 0.02) increased during treatment, while serum PTH and plasma glucagon remained unchanged. In conclusion, pharmacological doses of r-hGH increased not only IGF-1 but also free-calcitriol index, insulin, and free T3. The increase in these hormones may be co-responsible for some of the observed effects of r-hGH on bone turnover and calcium homeostasis.

Adult↗

Acute effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, prednisone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 plus prednisone on serum osteocalcin in normal individuals.

Suppression of osteoblastic function plays an important pathogenic role for the development of glucocorticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Serum osteocalcin (OC) is a sensitive marker of bone formation. The diurnal rhythm in serum OC can be changed by administration of single doses of either 1,25-(OH)2D3 or prednisone. However, the two steroids have opposing effects: 1,25-(OH)2D3 increases and prednisone decreases serum OC. The aim of the present study was to examine whether 1,25-(OH)2D3 can oppose the acute suppressive effect of prednisone on serum OC in normal subjects. We compared the effect of a combined dose of 2 micrograms 1,25-(OH)2D3 and 10 mg prednisone on the diurnal rhythm of serum OC with the effect of 2 micrograms 1,25-(OH)2D3 + placebo in a crossover study. Seven normal subjects aged 23-36 years were investigated twice at an interval of 1 week. Blood samples were collected every 60 minutes from 1900 until 1100 h the following day. Study drugs were given at 2000 h. The data from the present investigation were compared with data obtained from a similar study with placebo and prednisone in the same subjects. After administration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 serum OC followed the placebo curve during the first 8 h, but in contrast to the placebo curve it then continued to increase and remained elevated throughout the observation period (p less than 0.05). Prednisone inhibited and reversed the nocturnal rise in serum OC levels (p less than 0.01). The course of serum OC after administration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 + prednisone almost paralleled the course after placebo. We conclude that 1,25-(OH)2D3 and prednisone have opposing effects on serum OC.

Adult↗

Diurnal rhythm in serum osteocalcin: relation with sleep, growth hormone, and PTH(1-84).

We examined the role of sleep, growth hormone (GH), and parathyroid hormone [PTH(1-84)] as regulators of the diurnal rhythm of the osteoblastic bone marker, serum osteocalcin (OC). Nine normal subjects were followed with hourly blood sampling during one 24-hour period with normal sleep pattern, and one 24-hour period with absolute sleep deprivation. We found that the rhythm in serum OC did not exhibit significant changes (P greater than 0.50). Serum OC (mean +/- SE) was 30.9 +/- 2.5 micrograms/liter during sleep (2330-0730 hours) versus 29.9 +/- 4.9 micrograms/liter during sleep deprivation (not significantly different). The serum GH rhythm was significantly different on the two occasions (P less than 0.01). A maximum GH peak (mean +/- SE) of 10.3 +/- 2.4 micrograms/liter occurred at 0136 hours +/- 6 minutes during sleep compared with a maximal peak of 7.6 +/- 1.2 micrograms/liter (P less than 0.01) at 0245 hours +/- 20 minutes (P less than 0.01) during sleep deprivation. During sleep (2330-0730 hours), mean serum GH was 3.61 +/- 0.60 micrograms/liter compared with 2.39 +/- 0.40 micrograms/liter during sleep deprivation (P less than 0.005). Small insignificant changes occurred in serum PTH (1-84) and serum ionized calcium during the two occasions. We conclude that sleep and GH are not acute controlling factors of the diurnal rhythm in serum OC and the role of serum PTH(1-84) remains unsettled.

Adult↗

Serum osteocalcin and bone isoenzyme alkaline phosphatase in growth hormone-deficient patients: dose-response studies with biosynthetic human GH.

Serum osteocalcin and bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were measured in samples drawn at 8 a.m. in 7 patients with GH deficiency treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (2 IU/day subcutaneously at 8 p.m.), and 7 normal controls. Patients treated with 2 IU/day had lower BAP than controls (P less than 0.05). Further, increasing doses of rhGH were given subcutaneously to each of the 7 patients for 3 consecutive 14-day periods (2, 4, and 6 IU/day at 8 p.m.) followed by 14 days off treatment. At the end of each period, the patient was hospitalized for frequent blood sampling from 8 p.m. to 11 a.m. the following day. A dose-dependent increase in area under the curve (AUC) was seen for osteocalcin (P less than 0.05), whereas the increase in AUC for BAP just failed to reach significance (P less than 0.10). The nocturnal pattern of serum osteocalcin in patients on 4 and 6 IU/day were statistically indistinguishable from those in controls. During treatment with 2 IU/day and the off-treatment period, the pattern was significantly different from controls (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, rhGH has a dose-dependent effect on basal osteoblastic activity and the nocturnal pattern of osteocalcin. Serum osteocalcin increases within hours following rhGH administration. However, 2 IU/day is inadequate to maintain normal levels and nocturnal variation in markers of osteoblastic activity.

Adolescent↗

Skeletal size and bone mineral content in Turner's syndrome: relation to karyotype, estrogen treatment, physical fitness, and bone turnover.

Bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density, and metacarpal dimensions were studied in 50 women with Turner's syndrome aged 21-45 years in relation to karyotype, estrogen treatment, physical fitness, and biochemical markers of bone turnover. No differences were found between the 25 women with karyotype 45.X and women with other karyotypes. Forty-six women had received estrogen. Significant partial correlations were found between bone mineral density of the forearm and duration of estrogen treatment and physical fitness. BMC of the lumbar spine corrected for vertebral height (BMC(C)spine) was directly correlated with duration of estrogen treatment and height, marginally correlated with physical fitness, and inversely correlated with age. Outer metacarpal width was positively correlated with duration of estrogen treatment, age at initiation of therapy, and body weight. The diameter of medullary space showed negative correlation with physical fitness and height, and positive correlation with age at initiation of estrogen treatment. Cortical thickness was positively correlated with duration of estrogen treatment, physical fitness, and height. No convincing effects of estrogen could be demonstrated in women below the age of 30. Above the age of 30, all bone mineral measurements were markedly elevated in women treated for longer than the average of this age group. BMC(C)spine was inversely correlated with biochemical markers of bone formation. Our results demonstrate that estrogen treatment and physical fitness are important determinants of bone mineral status in Turner's syndrome and add to the evidence that estrogen treatment increases BMC in Turner's syndrome.

Adult↗

Effect of a short course of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on biochemical markers of bone remodeling in adult male volunteers.

To investigate the stimulatory effect of vitamin D on biochemical markers of bone remodeling, 15 normal men (aged 26-45 years, mean 33.2) were treated orally with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 2 micrograms daily for 7 days, and followed for a total of 16 weeks. Serum concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 rose 43% during the first week (p less than 0.01), with no significant alteration in the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Serum level of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (1-84) (iPTH) decreased markedly (p less than 0.02), and the maximal renal reabsorption capacity of phosphate (TmP/GFR) increased (p less than 0.05), both indicating the impact of the raised vitamin D level on target tissues. Serum phosphate and serum calcium increased during the treatment week (p less than 0.05), as did the fasting renal excretion of phosphate and calcium (p less than 0.01). However, a gradual fall in the excretion of hydroxyproline was seen in the observation period. The serum activity of acid phosphatase increased in the first weeks after vitamin D treatment, reaching significance at the end of week 2 (p less than 0.05). Acid phosphatase activity was still increased at the end of the observation period (p less than 0.02). These observations suggest a synchronization and recruitment of new bone resorptive cells. The immediate response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D administration on the biochemical markers of formative bone cells was a marked increase in the serum level of osteocalcin (BGP), (p less than 0.002) with a gradually fall during the next weeks. A secondary increase, however, was observed in the last two months of the follow-up period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Relations between diurnal variations in serum osteocalcin, cortisol, parathyroid hormone, and ionized calcium in normal individuals.

Serum osteocalcin varies in a diurnal rhythm, with peak values during the night and minimum levels before noon, but the factors controlling this rhythm are unknown. In this study, we evaluated the temporal relations between the osteocalcin rhythm and variations in serum concentrations of cortisol, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH(1-84)), and ionized calcium (Ca2+) in 15 normal volunteers, aged 22-46 years. Serum cortisol varied in a typical way preceding inverse changes in serum osteocalcin by about 4 h (r = 0.78, p less than 0.0001). Changes in serum osteocalcin following the early morning increase in serum cortisol were statistically indistinguishable from the changes seen after oral administration of 2.5 or 10 mg of prednisone. Serum PTH (1-84) showed a diurnal rhythm (p less than 0.01) with peak values (4.06 +/- 0.42 pmol/l) at 20.30 h and nadir (2.81 +/- 0.10 pmol/l) around 10.30 h, preceding changes in serum osteocalcin in the same direction by 5 h (r = 0.55, p less than 0.02). Prednisone at a dose of 10 mg did not change the time course significantly. Serum Ca2+ varied in an almost bi-phasic pattern (p less than 0.01) with maximal mean levels around 16.30 and 09.30 h and minimal levels around 05.30 and 14.30 h. Serum Ca2+ correlated inversely with PTH (1-84) (r = 0.53, p less than 0.01), and serum osteocalcin was inversely related to Ca2+ at concurrent time points (r = 0.59, p less than 0.005). Prednisone caused a 2-3 h lasting increase in serum Ca2+ 3-5 h after ingestion (p less than 0.001). In conclusion, our results suggest that cortisol is strongly associated to the diurnal rhythm in serum osteocalcin. The biological relevance of the reported relation between serum osteocalcin and PTH (1-84) and serum Ca2+ is uncertain.

Administration, Oral↗

24-h profile of serum osteocalcin in growth hormone (GH) deficient patients with and without GH treatment.

Serum osteocalcin (OC), which is a specific, sensitive, and rapidly responding biochemical bone marker of osteoblastic activity, varies in a circadian rhythm in both normal adults and children with the highest levels during nighttime. In the present study, we characterized the 24-h rhythm of serum OC in 8 growth hormone (GH)-deficient children without treatment, and during two regimens of recombinant human GH (r-hGH), i.e. 2 IU/day s.c. at 08:00 h or at 20:00 h, in comparison with 5 normal, untreated children. Without treatment and when r-hGH was administered at 08:00 h, the 24-h profile of serum OC was correlated with that of the healthy controls in only 1 of 8 patients (r = 0.26 +/- 0.09 (mean +/- SE) and r = 0.10 +/- 0.08) whereas the correlation was significant in 6 of 8 patients (r = 0.44 +/- 0.05) during evening r-hGH administration. Within GH-deficient patients, mean OC level was lower during no r-hGH or evening administration compared with morning administration. In conclusion, untreated GH-deficient children have an abnormal 24-h serum OC profile. Evening administration of 2 IU of r-hGH/day s.c. tends to normalise the 24-h profile but not the average daily level, whereas morning administration of GH increases average daily OC level but does not normalize the circadian rhythm.

Adolescent↗

A short course of recombinant human growth hormone treatment stimulates osteoblasts and activates bone remodeling in normal human volunteers.

The effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on biochemical markers of bone turnover and bone mineral content (BMC) were investigated in 20 normal male volunteers (aged 22-31 years) randomized to treatment for 7 days with either rhGH (0.1 IU/kg subcutaneously twice a day) or placebo. Serum somatomedin C rose during treatment (p less than 0.001) but was not significantly different from baseline at day 14. The fasting urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine (p less than 0.001) and calcium/creatinine ratios (p less than 0.01) increased during treatment and remained elevated for 4 and 2 weeks, respectively. Serum bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGP) increased during treatment (p less than 0.001) and remained elevated for 6 months (p less than 0.02). Serum bone alkaline phosphatase (B-AP), after an initial fall in the treatment period (p less than 0.001), increased slightly in the following months (p less than 0.01). In the rhGH group BMC was significantly higher than the prestudy value at day 14 (p less than 0.05) but was unaltered at the end of study. The simultaneous increase in markers of bone resorption and formation during rhGH treatment followed by a decline in resorption parameters within a few weeks and the prolonged effect on BGP and B-AP demonstrate that rhGH treatment stimulates osteoblasts and activates bone remodeling.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Diurnal rhythm and 24-hour integrated concentrations of serum osteocalcin in normals: influence of age, sex, season, and smoking habits.

In the present study we examined whether the diurnal pattern and the 24-hour integrated serum concentration of osteocalcin (S-OC(I] showed any variation due to age, sex, season, or smoking habits in 31 normal subjects, aged 23-47 years. Blood samples were drawn every 60 minutes from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. the following day. Serum osteocalcin showed diurnal variation as described earlier but no influence of age or sex on the diurnal variation could be demonstrated. Ten subjects were smokers, all consuming more than 10 cigarettes daily, but the diurnal variation in OC with time was not different from an age-, sex-, and height-matched group of strictly nonsmokers. Sixteen of the subjects were initially examined in March and 15 in November. Eight subjects were examined during a period in both November and March, and 5 of these went through an additional study period in July. These seasonal studies showed that the diurnal time course pattern during different seasons of the year were statistically indistinguishable from each other. The S-OC(I) was significantly higher in subjects below 29 years of age compared with subjects aged 30-40 years (P less than 0.01). Men had higher values than women (P less than 0.05). Moreover, S-OC(I) was higher in November compared to March (P less than 0.05). There was no effect of smoking on S-OC(I). A significant correlation existed between S-OC(I) and age (r = 0.50, P less than 0.005). Multiple regression showed that among age, height, and weight, only age and height were significant determinants for S-OC(I) (r = 0.50, P = 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Functional radiographic examination of the cervical spine in patients with post-traumatic headache.

The segmental extension-flexion motion of the cervical spine and the overall C1-C7 motion were measured on functional X-rays in 19 patients with post-traumatic headache and 19 age- and sex-matched controls. The extension-flexion C1-C7 motion was reduced in patients with post-traumatic headache due to reduced motion in three segments: C2-C3, C5-C6 (p less than 0.05), and C6-C7 (p less than 0.01). In both groups a negative correlation between the C1-C7 motion and age was found, but the regression coefficients were different. Only in the control group could a negative correlation between segmental motion and age be demonstrated. In the patients with post-traumatic headache a statistically significant negative correlation between the log (pain index) and the age-corrected C1-C7 motion was found (p less than 0.04). On the segmental level a negative correlation between the log (pain index) and the age-corrected C1-C2 and C5-C6 motion could be demonstrated (p less than 0.05). Regarding C6-C7 there was a tendency to negative correlation. Furthermore, a negative correlation between the frequency of associated symptoms (dizziness, visual disturbances and ear symptoms) and the age-corrected C5-C6 motion was found. Consequently the decrement of motion primarily affected C2-C3, C5-C6, and C6-C7, whereas the analysis of correlation with pain index indicated C1-C2 and C5-C6 (C6-C7) as the most important segments involved.

Adolescent↗

Changes in biochemical markers of osteoblastic activity during the menstrual cycle.

Serum levels of osteocalcin [OC; bone Gla protein (BGP)] and bone alkaline phosphatase (B-AP) are both correlated to osteoblastic activity, which may be regulated by several hormones, including estrogen, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], and PTH. Estrogen shows reproducible variations during the menstrual cycle, while available data on variations in serum 1,25-(OH)2D3 and serum immunoreactive PTH show midcyclic increases or no changes. In the present study we evaluated osteoblastic activity by measuring serum OC and B-AP during the menstrual cycle in eight healthy women, aged 20-47 yr. The cycles were synchronized by LH peaks, and follicular and luteal periods were normalized by lengths. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that serum OC varied significantly (P less than 0.05), with highest levels during the luteal period. Although the same pattern was seen for serum B-AP, the variation just failed to reach significance (P less than 0.10), but the mean level was significantly higher during the luteal than during the follicular period (P less than 0.05). Gonadotropins and ovarian sex hormones showed significant variations. There were no significant changes in serum vitamin D-binding protein, serum total and free 1,25-(OH)2D3 index, or serum immunoreactive PTH-(1-84), but serum levels of somatomedin-C showed a significant variation, with the highest level during the luteal period (P less than 0.05). Blood levels and urinary excretion of minerals exhibited no significant variations. Cross-correlation studies between OC and estradiol showed the highest correlation coefficient, when OC was lagged about 7 days after estradiol (r = 0.69; P less than 0.05). Moreover, a high correlation was found between OC and somatomedin-C when matched at concurrent time points (r = 0.76; P less than 0.01). No significant correlations were found between the other calcium-regulating hormones and OC when matched at concurrent time points. In conclusion, we found a significant effect of the menstrual cycle on the serum levels of two osteoblastic bone markers, OC and B-AP. The changes indicated that osteoblastic activity is higher during the luteal period. However, whether the changes are caused by direct or indirect effects of the fluctuations in calciotropic hormones is still unresolved.

Adult↗

Diurnal rhythm in serum activity of wheat-germ lectin-precipitable alkaline phosphatase: temporal relationships with the diurnal rhythm of serum osteocalcin.

Serum levels of osteocalcin (S-OC) and lectin-precipitable alkaline phosphatase activity (S-LAP) are sensitive markers of osteoblastic activity. Diurnal variation has been found for S-OC but has not been reported for S-LAP. We measured S-LAP and serum total alkaline phosphatase (S-TAP) in samples drawn every 60 min during a 24-h study period in nine normal subjects and correlated the findings with the diurnal variation in S-OC. A significant (p less than 0.05) diurnal variation in S-LAP characterized by peaks at 1430 hours and 2330 hours and nadir at 0630 hours was found. Peak levels were 30% higher than nadir level (p less than 0.05). S-TAP also varied significantly (p less than 0.05) with nadir at 0630 hours, showing a difference of 23% between peak and nadir levels (p less than 0.05). Significant cross-correlation was found between S-OC and S-LAP and S-TAP when these lagged 4 h after S-OC: r = 0.51 (p less than 0.02) and r = 0.65 (p less than 0.003), respectively. In other words, changes in S-LAP and S-TAP preceded changes in S-OC by 4 h. There were no significant cross-correlations between the non-lectin-precipitable fraction of AP and S-OC. In conclusion, S-LAP varies in a diurnal rhythm closely related with the diurnal rhythm of S-OC. The almost similar patterns in the diurnal serum levels of these two osteoblastic products strongly suggest that osteoblastic activity fluctuates rhythmically during the day in humans.

Adult↗

Spect bone scintigraphy in assessment of cranial Paget's disease.

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) bone scintigraphy was used in the assessment of Paget's disease in 3 patients with skull involvement. In comparison with conventional scintigraphy, SPECT improved the three-dimensional perception and made precise outlining of involved bones possible. The radionuclide uptake in lesions expressed as counts per pixel was 1.5 to 10 times that of normal bones. Routine use of SPECT in cranial Paget's disease for staging and monitoring the effect of treatment is proposed.

Aged↗

[Treatment of Paget's osteitis deformans].

Specific treatment of osteitis deformans (OD, Paget's disease of bone) is indicated when symptoms are associated with signs (biochemical or by bone scintigraphy) of active disease. OD in the base of the skull and osteolytic lesions in weight-bearing bones should be treated irrespective of symptoms. The effect of calcitonin (CT) on symptoms and skeletal blood-flow is achieved rapidly and healing of osteolytic lesions may occur. However, CT is only effective in approximately 60%, is discontinued due to side effect in 20% of patients, and must be administered parenterally. EHDP (Etidronate) is administered orally but the use of even small doses carries a risk of mineralisation defect and possibly fracture. EHDP should, therefore, be given intermittently and should not be used in osteolytic lesions of weight-bearing bones. Second-generation bisfofonates are devoid of this side effect and are very effective in OD. The effect of mithramycin is only transient and because of the risk of serious side effects the use should be restricted to severe cases of OD resistant to the other lines of treatment.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗