HPP is a loss-of-function mutation in ALPL gene, responsible for tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. Clinically, HPP presents as rickets with severe lack of bone mineralization with a low alkaline phosphatase level.
Pre-adolescent HPP: 11-year old female presented with significant short-stature(-5SD), poor dentition, waddling and painful gait. Diagnosis of HPP was based on bony malformations including chest deformity, low Bone Mineral Density(BMD) of SPINE with z-score - 3.9 (Feb 2014), bone pain, low Alkaline Phosphatase and ALPL Gene-Mutation.
Child was started on Asfotase-Alfa. Height change from -5SD, reached a final height of 148.3cm(-2 SD) and started college in 2023. BMD improved from -3.9SD to -1.9SD. Dental problems resolved, walking and driving with normal puberty explains her improved quality-of-life over 10years.
Neonatal HPP: A full term child with prenatal scans with long-bone fractures raised concern for Osteogenesis imperfecta. However, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at birth was <11 U/L, and vitamin B6 was elevated >250 ng/mL. Calcium, 25-OH vitamin D, and urine phosphoethanolamine were normal. A genetics panel for HPP confirmed two pathogenic autosomal recessive mutations on the ALPL gene. Treatment with asfotase alfa 3 mg/kg three times weekly was started on 2nd day of life. The clinical course was complicated by prolonged mechanical ventilator need, seizure-event shortly after birth, EEG demonstrating epileptogenic potential in the bitemporal cortical regions was started on Levetiracetam, possible craniosynostosis with mild-to-moderate ventriculomegaly, and minimal grade 1 medullary nephrocalcinosis. Bone mineralization was monitored via skeletal surveys, and changes were measured using the Radiographic Global Impression of Change (RGI-C) and the Rickets Scoring Scale (RSS). Due to the need for neonatal tracheostomy for persistent ventilatory requirement, child was transferred to a major academic center while on asfotase alfa
Conclusion: Awareness that treatment options for rare genetic bone diseases has improved survival and quality-of-life for patients suffering from these debilitating diseases.