Can a determination of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase predict postmenopausal loss of bone mass?

Abstract Background A study was carried out over a 24-month interval to determine if an initial measurement of serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase would be predictive of bone mass loss quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, as total bone mineral content and total bone mineral content corrected for weight. Design Sixty-two women were studied (at onset: mean age 59·7 ± 8·9 years, 10·8 ± 8·8 years since menopause; at conclusion: mean age 61·9 ± 8·8 and 13·0 ± 8·7 since menopause). Results A paired Wilcoxon test showed a small, but significant, increase in weight (P < 0·05) and decrease in height (P < 0·05). Total bone mineral content and total bone mineral content corrected for weight decreased (P < 0·005 and 0·0001, respectively). Serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase increased (P < 0·005). Single-regression analysis showed that the per cent bone mass loss observed between the first and second body bone mineral content measurements correlated negatively with the first serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase determination (r = -0·62, P < 0·0001). Changes in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase correlated negatively with changes in total bone mineral content (r = -0·79, P < 0·0001). In a multiple regression analysis of per cent change in bone mass against initially important variables such as age, years since menopause, weight, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, only tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase was significant (P < 0·0001). The sensitivity and specifity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase for evaluating bone loss were 86% and 78%, respectively, and the area under the curve was of 0·83 (95% CI 0·71–0·95). Conclusion These results show that a simple measurement of serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase can help to predict the potential rate of bone mass loss in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]