Hypophosphatemia

Hypophosphatemia
Other namesLow blood phosphate, phosphate deficiency, hypophosphataemia
Phosphate group chemical structure
SpecialtyEndocrinology
SymptomsWeakness, trouble breathing, loss of appetite[1]
ComplicationsSeizures, coma, rhabdomyolysis, softening of the bones[1]
CausesAlcohol use disorder, refeeding in those with malnutrition, hyperventilation, diabetic ketoacidosis, burns, certain medications[1]
Diagnostic methodBlood phosphate < 0.81 mmol/L (2.5 mg/dL)[1]
TreatmentBased on the underlying cause, phosphate[1][2]
Frequency2% (people in hospital)[1]

Hypophosphatemia is an electrolyte disorder in which there is a low level of phosphate in the blood.[1] Symptoms may include weakness, trouble breathing, and loss of appetite.[1] Complications may include seizures, coma, rhabdomyolysis, or softening of the bones.[1]

Causes include alcohol use disorder, refeeding in those with malnutrition, recovery from diabetic ketoacidosis, burns, hyperventilation, and certain medications.[1] It may also occur in the setting of hyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Cushing syndrome.[1] It is diagnosed based on a blood phosphate concentration of less than 0.81 mmol/L (2.5 mg/dL).[1] When levels are below 0.32 mmol/L (1.0 mg/dL) it is deemed to be severe.[2]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.[1] Phosphate may be given by mouth or by injection into a vein.[1] Hypophosphatemia occurs in about 2% of people within hospital and 70% of people in the intensive care unit (ICU).[1][3]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Hypophosphatemia". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  2. ^ a b Adams, James G. (2012). Emergency Medicine: Clinical Essentials (Expert Consult - Online and Print). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 1416. ISBN 978-1455733941.
  3. ^ Yunen, Jose R. (2012). The 5-Minute ICU Consult. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 152. ISBN 9781451180534.