What Is Hypophosphatasia (HPP)?
The path forward becomes clear when you
understand the underlying cause of HPP
understand the underlying cause of HPP
Understanding the root of HPP
Hypophosphatasia (high po fos fuh tay zha), or HPP, happens when the body has low levels of working alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an important enzyme.
Your body needs ALP to help it do important jobs, such as:
Your body needs ALP to help it do important jobs, such as:
- Build strong bones
- Keep your brain healthy
- Support muscle strength
When my twin and I were finally diagnosed with HPP, it felt validating. It felt like we had an answer to a mystery.- Suzanne, Living With HPP
What is HPP, and whom does it impact?
Learn more about HPP, what causes it, and how it’s diagnosed.
HPP can affect different people in different ways
HPP can have many possible symptoms in different parts of the body.
It can affect the brain, bones, joints, teeth, muscles, lungs,* and kidneys.
It can affect the brain, bones, joints, teeth, muscles, lungs,* and kidneys.
Because symptoms can be felt in multiple parts of the body, they may not seem
connected at first and may sometimes be confused with other conditions.
Learning about the range of possible symptoms can help put experiences into context and make any patterns easier to recognize over time.
Learning about the range of possible symptoms can help put experiences into context and make any patterns easier to recognize over time.
*Lung and breathing problems are most common in babies with HPP, especially before birth, soon after birth, or in early infancy.
Take a deeper dive into HPP symptoms
Learn about the common symptoms that may present with HPP.
You can start checking your HPP symptoms
Here's a quick, interactive way to reflect on symptoms and support conversations with a doctor.
The impact of HPP symptoms can be unpredictable
The impact of HPP symptoms can be unpredictable from day to day—they can develop, change,
or worsen over time. That’s why getting an early diagnosis is crucial to getting the care you need.
Learn about the 2 things doctors look for when diagnosing HPP.
Low ALP
Symptoms
*Low ALP over time means 2 or more ALP levels below normal range at least 30 days apart.
Knowledge is power, as they say. I believe staying up to date on the latest research is so important when you are living with HPP.- BRIAN, LIVING WITH HPP
HPP is a lifelong condition that is passed down through families
HPP can be passed down from parents to their children, but it can look different for each person, even within the same family.
HPP can be difficult to recognize and has a variety of symptoms. Many people go undiagnosed, making them harder to count. The number of people living with HPP is unknown, and the disease is rare.
HPP can be difficult to recognize and has a variety of symptoms. Many people go undiagnosed, making them harder to count. The number of people living with HPP is unknown, and the disease is rare.
Liesl’s story: HPP across generations
Liesl shares how HPP affected both her and her daughter and how testing helped bring clarity.
Whether you or your loved one is learning about HPP or living with it, this brochure can help you better understand HPP and support conversations with your family.
Understanding HPP Brochure
Find helpful information about HPP, including the role of ALP, common symptoms, and available resources.
See how ALP levels over time are the hallmark sign of HPP.
Discover helpful tools, downloadable resources, advocacy groups, and other ways to stay informed and supported.
Stay connected with updates and information about HPP, no matter where you or your loved one is on the journey.
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