Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)

Hypophosphatasia
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Hypophosphatasia is a genetic condition in which the activity of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase is deficient.[2][4]  This enzyme plays an essential role in mineralization - when minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are deposited in developing bones and teeth.  Low activity of this enzyme which characterizes hypophosphatasia also leads to rickets, osteomalacia, or both.  The severity of the symptoms of hypophosphatasia varies widely, from fetal loss during pregnancy to cases in which pathologic fractures first present only in adulthood.[2]  Hypophosphatasia is caused by a mutation in a gene - called the ALPL gene - that provides instructions for making the alkaline phosphatase enzyme.[3] A cure or proven medical therapy for hypophosphatasia has not yet been found.[1] Treatment is generally directed towards preventing or correcting the symptoms or complications.

References
  1. Michael P. Whyte. M.D.. Hypophosphatasia. The Magic Foundation. December 5, 2007 Available at: http://www.magicfoundation.org/www/docs/175. Accessed February 19, 2008.
  2. Plotkin H, Anadiotis GA. Hypophosphatasia. eMedicine Journal . October 20, 2006 Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1126.htm. Accessed February 22, 2008.
  3. Hypophosphatasia. Genetics Home Reference (GHR). 2008 Available at: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=hypophosphatasia. Accessed February 22, 2008.
  4. Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Jenson HB . Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 17th edition. In: . Chapter 694--Hypophosphatasia. Philadelphia, PA:Saunders; 2004:2344

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