Serum osteocalcin measurement is used to monitor and evaluate the efficacy of treatment in patients with osteopenia, osteoporosis, Paget's disease or other disorders in which osteocalcin levels are elevated and as an adjunct to the diagnosis of abnormal cystic acidosis / pathological conditions bone formation, including Paget's disease, bone metastases, primary hyperparathyroidism, and renal osteodystrophy.
More information
Osteocalcin is a bone matrix protein, the most important protein after collagen, and is used as an indicator of bone metabolism because it is produced only by osteoblasts. Osteocalcin is an integral part of the bone formation process and a small amount of osteocalcin enters the bloodstream. Circulating osteocalcin levels are a specific indicator of bone degradation and remodeling processes. Its production is dependent on vitamin K and is stimulated by 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D.
Osteocalcin measurement is used to screen women at risk of developing osteoporosis, to monitor bone metabolism in patients with growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and chronic renal failure. It is also used to monitor women during the menopausal and postmenopausal onset period and during hormone replacement therapy, to monitor the treatment of pre-menopausal women with LHRH agonists, to monitor the suppression of bone metabolism induced by glucocorticoids, and monitoring the treatment of renal osteodystrophy.
Possible Interpretations of Pathological Values
- Increase: Hyperparathyroidism, rapid bone growth in children (maximal levels occur between ages 10 and 16), postmenopausal women, low estrogen production, low calcium intake, low physical activity, osteomalacia, Paget's disease, fractures (up to 1 year), renal failure with dialysis. Medications: 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D, calcitriol.
- Decrease: Hypothyroidism, multiple myeloma, hypercalcaemia associated with malignancy, cirrhosis of the liver. Medications: Glucocorticoids, heparin, warfarin, tamoxifen, postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
