[Hypophosphatemias (author's transl)]

Severe hypophosphatemia may be observed after the ingestion of certain antacids which complex phosphorus in the intestinal lumen. In severe burn cases, during realimentation after denutrition, during intense and prolonged hyperventilations responsible for respiratory alkalosis, in diabetic ketoacidosis and in alcoholics. Hypophosphatemia lead to erythrocyte abnormalities which may eventually approach hemolysis, to phagocytosis and platelet function disorders and to neurological troubles which suggest a metabolic encephalopathy, a myopathy, a metabolic acidosis or a change in hepatic functioning. Treatment for hypophosphatemia with milk and sodium or potassium phosphate must be begun as soon as possible and must be sufficient to maintain blood phosphate levels above 10 mg/liter.