Osteomalacia laboratory findings

Laboratory Findings

Biochemical features are similar to those of rickets. The major factor is an abnormally low vitamin D concentration in blood serum.

Major typical biochemical findings include:

• Low serum and urinary calcium
• Low serum phosphate, except in cases of renal osteodystrophy
• Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (due to an increase in compensatory osteoblast activity)
• Elevated parathyroid hormone (due to low calcium)

Furthermore, a technetium bone scan will show increased activity (also due to increased osteoblasts).