Factors for increased morbidity and mortality in uremia: hyperphosphatemia

Hyperphosphatemia is a metabolic abnormality present in the majority of patients treated by dialysis. Inorganic phosphorus (iP) can be categorized as a true uremic toxin given its known in vivo and in vitro effects and the ability to reduce these effects by normalizing iP levels. However, despite regular and adequate dialysis treatment, the goal of normalization of phosphorus levels rarely is achieved. This article briefly evaluates the significance of hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis patients, current therapeutic approaches, and describes a new model for evaluating the dialysis prescription for iP balance.