On plasma phosphatase levels in pregnancy in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

During pregnancy, the alkaline plasma phosphatase should increase. In the Philippines, in spite of a definite tendency to increasing values with the progress of pregnancy, the observed levels are still below normal due to the abnormally low initial values. Low plasma phosphatase levels may have an effect on the ossification processes of the fetus. As consequence of the low phosphatase levels of the mothers, newborn infants have a very low plasma phosphatase level. The low levels are most probably due to unbalanced diet of the mother, if we like to avoid the term "malnutrition". We found likewise low levels in pregnant women and in some adult of both sexes. Low plasma phosphatase levels seem to be the rule in Filipinos of any age. (Summary and Conclusion)