Which serum marker is typically elevated in patients with Paget's disease?

Which serum marker is typically elevated in patients with Paget's disease?

• A. Potassium
• B. Alkaline phosphatase
• C. Calcitonin
• D. Parathyroid hormone

Answer: (B)

In patients with Paget's disease of bone, alkaline phosphatase is the serum marker that is typically elevated. Paget's disease is characterized by abnormal and excessive bone remodeling, leading to the formation of enlarged and weakened bones. The increased osteoblastic activity during this bone remodeling process results in higher levels of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme associated with bone formation. Alkaline phosphatase serves as a reliable marker for osteoblastic activity because it is produced by osteoblasts. In the context of Paget’s disease, elevated levels of this enzyme indicate active disease and increased bone turnover. Monitoring alkaline phosphatase levels can aid in assessing the disease's progression or response to treatment. The other markers listed do not exhibit the typical elevations associated with Paget's disease. Potassium levels do not directly correlate with this condition. Calcitonin, which is involved in calcium homeostasis, may occasionally be altered but does not reflect the activity of Paget's disease. Similarly, while parathyroid hormone plays a role in regulating calcium levels in the body, it is not specifically elevated in Paget's disease. Therefore, the best choice in this context is alkaline phosphatase.

In patients with Paget's disease of bone, alkaline phosphatase is the serum marker that is typically elevated. Paget's disease is characterized by abnormal and excessive bone remodeling, leading to the formation of enlarged and weakened bones. The increased osteoblastic activity during this bone remodeling process results in higher levels of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme associated with bone formation.

Alkaline phosphatase serves as a reliable marker for osteoblastic activity because it is produced by osteoblasts. In the context of Paget’s disease, elevated levels of this enzyme indicate active disease and increased bone turnover. Monitoring alkaline phosphatase levels can aid in assessing the disease's progression or response to treatment.

The other markers listed do not exhibit the typical elevations associated with Paget's disease. Potassium levels do not directly correlate with this condition. Calcitonin, which is involved in calcium homeostasis, may occasionally be altered but does not reflect the activity of Paget's disease. Similarly, while parathyroid hormone plays a role in regulating calcium levels in the body, it is not specifically elevated in Paget's disease. Therefore, the best choice in this context is alkaline phosphatase.