Hypophosphatemia - All Information

Alternative Names

Low blood phosphate; Phosphate - low

Definition of Hypophosphatemia:

Hypophosphatemia is a low level of phosphorus in the blood.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Many conditions may cause hypophosphatemia, including:

Alcoholism
Diarrhea (chronic)
Starvation
Vitamin D deficiency

Symptoms:

Bone pain
Confusion
Muscle weakness

Signs and tests:

Anemia due to excess destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
Heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy)

Treatment:

Treating the cause of hypophosphatemia is needed to correct the phosphorous deficiency. Phosphate can be given by mouth or through a vein.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends on the disease causing the condition.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have muscle weakness or confusion.

Reviewed last on: 11/14/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Pollak MR, Yu ASL, Taylor EN. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. In: Brenner BM, ed. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 16.

Yu ASL. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorous. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 120.

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