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Hypophosphatasia

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a genetic condition that causes abnormal development of the bones and teeth. The severity of HPP can vary widely, from fetal death to fractures that don't begin until adulthood.

Prevalence

<1 / 40 000

N/A

US Estimated

N/A

Europe Estimated

Age of Onset

All ages

ageofonset all https://raremedicalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depositphotos_309592106_XL-scaled.jpg

ICD-10

E83.3

Inheritance Pattern

Autosomal dominant

rnn autosomaldominant https://raremedicalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depositphotos_309592106_XL-scaled.jpg

Autosomal recessive

rnn autosomalrecessive https://raremedicalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depositphotos_309592106_XL-scaled.jpg

Mitochondrial/Multigenic

no https://raremedicalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depositphotos_309592106_XL-scaled.jpg

X-linked dominant

no https://raremedicalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depositphotos_309592106_XL-scaled.jpg

X-linked recessive

no https://raremedicalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Depositphotos_309592106_XL-scaled.jpg

Interest over time

Google searches

5 Facts you should know

FACT

1

Hypophosphatasia is a rare inherited disorder characterized by low levels of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP), leading to impaired bone mineralization and phosphate metabolism

FACT

2

This condition presents in various forms, ranging from severe forms in infancy causing skeletal abnormalities, respiratory problems, and high mortality, to milder forms appearing in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, causing bone fragility, fractures, and dental issues

FACT

3

Hypophosphatasia is caused by mutations in the ALPL gene, leading to decreased enzyme activity of TNSALP, which plays a crucial role in bone mineralization

FACT

4

Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, blood tests to measure alkaline phosphatase levels, genetic testing to identify ALPL gene mutations, and imaging studies to assess bone abnormalities

FACT

5

Management includes supportive care, physical therapy, orthopedic interventions for fractures or deformities, and recently approved enzyme replacement therapy (asfotase alfa) for severe forms

Hypophosphatasia is also known as...

Hypophosphatasia is also known as:

  • Phosphoethanol-aminuria
  • Hypophosphatasia mild
  • Phosphoethanolaminuria
 

What’s your Rare IQ?

Which gene is mutated in Hypophosphatasia?

Common signs & symptoms

Skeletal abnormalities

short limbs, bowing, poor bone mineralization

Frequent fractures & bone pain

Premature loss of teeth

especially primary teeth with roots intact

Respiratory problems

Muscle weakness

Hypercalcemia

Current treatments

Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT):

  • Asfotase alfa (Strensiq®) → first and only approved treatment, improves survival, bone mineralization, and mobility in children and some adults

Supportive care:

  • Orthopedic interventions for fractures and deformities

  • Pain management

  • Dental care for premature tooth loss

  • Physical therapy

Nutritional monitoring

to manage calcium and phosphate levels