I would like to know what purpose ( and or function ) the alkaline phosphatas has in the liver.

  : : I would like to know what the purposes ( and or function ), of the alkaline phosphatase in the liver is.
  : : Thank-you!
  :

[HFHSM.D.-rf]

  Topic area: Liver-general
       Do you know what would cause an elevation of the Alkaline Phosphatase?

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Dear Karen,
The alkaline phosphatase can be elevated by bone disease or by liver dosease.  A bone cause is easi;y exclided if other liver enzymes are also elevated.
Among the liver causes, obstruction or blockage of the bile ducts is the most common etiology of elevated alkaline phosphatase.  The obstruction can block the bile ducts that are outside the liver (e.g. common bile duct stone, tumor of the pancreas) or can be compressing the small bile ducts within the liver ( e.g. inflammation of the liver by hepatitis can cause an elevated alkaline phosphatase, tumor infiltrating the liver, primary inflammation of the bile ductules).  The specific etiology of the elevated alkaline phsopahatse can often be determined by history and the pattern of elevation of other liver tests.
This information is provided for educational purposes only.  Always consult your physician for specific medical questions.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: liver tests, hepatitis, gallstone0.2