OSTEOCALCIN LEVELS IN CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS

Osteocalcin is a vitamin K-dependent bone protein synthesized by osteo blasts. In generalized bone disorders serum osteocalcin correlates wit h osteoblast activity. Bone resorption and new bone formation occur in chronic osteomyelitis, dependent on the level of inflammatory activit y. 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 lev els were within the normal range preoperatively (10.8 +/- 11.0 mug/l), in the early postoperative period, and at discharge. It is therefore not a helpful marker in the clinical management of this condition.