title: Osteocalcin levels in chronic osteomyelitis.
abstract: Osteocalcin is a vitamin K-dependent bone protein synthesized by osteoblasts. In generalized bone disorders serum osteocalcin correlates with osteoblast activity. Bone resorption and new bone formation occur in chronic osteomyelitis, dependent on the level of inflammatory activity. In 17 patients with active chronic osteomyelitis undergoing surgery, the serum levels of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase and C-reactive protein were measured before and after treatment. The osteocalcin levels were within the normal range preoperatively (10.8 +/- 11.0 micrograms/l), in the early postoperative period, and at discharge. It is therefore not a helpful marker in the clinical management of this condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rheinisch-Westflische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Peters
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rosendahl
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Heller
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Weigmann
authors.forename: K W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Zilkens
mesh_terms: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000097:blood*; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000097:blood* / Q000601:surgery; D011184:Postoperative Period
chemical_list: D015675:Osteocalcin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase