Identification of a macro-alkaline phosphatase complex in a patient with inflammatory bowel disease

Ann Clin Biochem. 2012 Jul;49(Pt 4):405-7. doi: 10.1258/acb.2011.011224. Epub 2012 Mar 27.

Abstract

We report the rare finding of a macro-alkaline phosphatase (macroALP) complex in a patient with a previously unexplained raised alkaline phosphatase activity. The clinical symptoms were persistent, daily diarrhoea for two months with blood in the stool. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, specifically ulcerative colitis, following a rectal biopsy and colonoscopy. Two cases of macroALP associated with ulcerative colitis have been reported before, suggesting there could be an increased prevalence of macroALP in these patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / enzymology*
  • Male

Substances

  • Alkaline Phosphatase