Differential Diagnosis for Low Alkaline Phosphatase
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vitamin D deficiency: Low alkaline phosphatase levels can be seen in vitamin D deficiency, as vitamin D plays a role in bone mineralization and alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme involved in this process.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hypophosphatasia: A rare genetic disorder characterized by low alkaline phosphatase activity, leading to impaired bone mineralization.
- Malnutrition: Severe malnutrition can lead to low levels of alkaline phosphatase due to inadequate intake of essential nutrients.
- Pregnancy: Alkaline phosphatase levels can be low in pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, due to changes in bone metabolism.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wilson's disease: A genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the body, which can cause liver damage and low alkaline phosphatase levels. Missing this diagnosis can be fatal if left untreated.
- Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder that can cause malabsorption of nutrients, leading to low alkaline phosphatase levels. Untreated celiac disease can lead to severe complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Osteopetrosis: A rare genetic disorder characterized by increased bone density, which can lead to low alkaline phosphatase levels.
- Gaucher's disease: A genetic disorder that affects the breakdown of fatty substances, which can lead to low alkaline phosphatase levels in some cases.
- Tumor-induced osteomalacia: A rare condition where a tumor produces substances that lead to low phosphate levels and low alkaline phosphatase activity.