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Hypophosphatemia
     
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Hypophosphatemia

Low blood phosphate; Phosphate - low; Hyperparathyroidism - low phosphate

 

Hypophosphatemia is a low level of phosphorus (phosphate) in the blood.

Causes

 

The following may cause hypophosphatemia:

  • Alcoholism
  • Antacids
  • Certain medicines, including insulin, acetazolamide, foscarnet, imatinib, intravenous iron, niacin, pentamidine, sorafenib, and tenofovir
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Fat malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid gland)
  • Starvation
  • Too little vitamin D

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may include:

  • Bone pain
  • Confusion
  • Muscle weakness
  • Seizures

 

Exams and Tests

 

Your health care provider will examine you.

The following tests may be done:

  • Kidney function tests
  • Parathyroid hormone level
  • Vitamin D blood test

Exam and testing may show:

  • Anemia due to too many red blood cells being destroyed (hemolytic anemia)
  • Heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy)

 

Treatment

 

Treatment depends on the cause. Phosphate can be given by mouth or through a vein (IV).

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

How well you do depends on what has caused the condition.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Contact your provider if you have muscle weakness or confusion.

 

 

References

Chonchol M, Smogorzewski MJ, Stubbs, JR, Yu ASL. Disorders of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate balance. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.

Klemm KM, Klein MJ, Zhang Y. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 16.

Yu ASL. Diseases of magnesium and phosphorus. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 105.

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Review Date: 12/31/2023

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