Treatment for HPP | Osteoporosis Canada

Treatment, Care and Management

There is currently no cure for HPP. However, enzyme replacement therapy is available in Canada for people who have a confirmed diagnosis of HPP that began in infancy or childhood. This treatment targets the underlying cause of HPP, which is low ALP activity in the blood. The therapy uses a lab-made (recombinant) version of this enzyme to replace and act like the naturally occurring ALP in the body. The medication is designed to reach the bones, so it can work where it is most needed. The treatment is given as an injection under the skin several times a week. Studies have shown that enzyme replacement therapy can improve bone health as well as other symptoms of HPP.

Ongoing care and management

The rest of HPP care focuses on managing symptoms. This may include:

- Pain medications to help manage pain from bone deformities, fractures, and joint or muscle pain
- Physical therapy to help children and adults with muscle weakness or movement problems
- Orthotics (such as braces or shoe supports) to help manage bone and muscle issues
- Dentures for children or adults who lose teeth prematurely
- Surgery to treat fractures especially in adults with HPP
- Surgery to correct some bone deformities in children
- Surgery for premature closing of the skull bones (craniosynostosis) to relieve pressure in babies
- A low-calcium diet and good hydration for babies with high calcium levels in the blood
- Nutritional support for babies who have ongoing vomiting
- Vitamin B6 treatment for babies who have seizures related to low vitamin B6 activity

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