RESUMO
To assess the utility of new markers in monitoring bone turnover during treatment with GnRH agonists, alkaline phosphatase (total and bone specific) and urinary N-telopeptides were measured. 16 women undergoing treatment with GnRH agonists for endometriosis or leiomyomas were studied before and 3 months after the onset of treatment. N-telopeptide levels increased significantly (44% of baseline, p < 0.05). Bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), measured with a new ELISA assay, was more elevated (40% of baseline, p = 0.001) than total ALP (15% of baseline, p < 0.001). In conclusion, in estrogen deficiency states, urinary N-telopeptide measurements provide a quantitative measure of bone resoption. In the assessment of bone formation, BALP determination is move sensitive than total ALP and this may be clinically useful.
