Alkiline Phosphatase

  I have a two year old male child (as of today 29 months, 14 days) that presents as FTT. He has had persistantly poor weight gain, despite high caloric intake of elemental formula (NeoCate One+) via GT. He takes in an excess of 1520 calories from formula, and another 247.5 calories daily from microlipids. On July 29, 1998 he had a weight of 20 pounds (naked). His alkaline phosphatase levels were drawn and his his level was 1850. Yes that is a correct figure, I saw it myself. An x-ray was done to look at bone density, and it look fine. On August 12, 1998 he presented with a weight of 23 pounds, one ounce (naked). At that time his caloric intake was decreased, the microlipids were discontinued. Today, August 20, 1998, he presented with a weight of 24 pounds even. The doctor ordered another check of his alkaline phosphatase level today, results are obviously pending. What could cause such a high alkaline phosphatase level? I do know that his Zinc levels were WNL, as were most of the other blood tests that are done to rule out malabsorption and malnutrition. Please help me figure this out as my son's GI doctor does not give me much information, even when I ask the "right" questions.

[hfhs.rn-tao]

Dear Erin,
High levels of alkaline phosphatase can be seen in patient with liver problems and born disease like ricketts. They can also be elevated in young children but not to this extent. I would suggest you ask your son