The authors present the results of pyridinoline (PYR) and deoxypyridinoline (DPYR) excretion in 179 healthy children from infant age to adult age in the course of two years (1996 - 1998). They assessed reference values for age categories. In relation to the reference values the kinetics of PYR and DPYR (crosslinks) were assessed as well as other markers in 68 patients treated on account of impaired bone metabolism, malabsorption, anorexia nervosa, coeliac disease, Crohn´s disease and rheumatic disease. Elevated urinary DPYR values correlated with reduced bone density and ICTP, ALP and PTH, osteocalcin. The authors recommend assessment of DPYR as a useful, non-invasive and rapid examination for evaluation of bone resorption and monitoring of therapy.

        Key words: deoxypyridinoline, pyridinoline, reference range in children, osteoporosis, bone resorption