Effects of short-term low-dose heparin administration on biochemical parameters of bone turnover.

Heparin therapy may cause osteoporosis. The effects of short-term low-dose heparin are not known. We have studied the effects of short-term heparin administration, twice daily 5000 IU s.c., for 10 days on the biochemical parameters of bone turnover in six healthy male volunteers. No effects were observed on the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline and calcium. Serum levels of cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), a new marker of bone resorption, did not change significantly. A slight but significant decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase was observed. TmP/GFR increased significantly during heparin administration. In all volunteers a uniform increase in serum transaminases appeared which completely reversed after discontinuation of heparin administration. We conclude that short-term low-dose heparin administration does not change biochemical parameters of bone resorption, but has a small significant suppressing effect on serum alkaline phosphatase levels. Heparin administration resulted in a significant but transient increase of serum transaminase levels.