Endocrine crises. Hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia

Pathophysiology, clinical sequelae, and treatment for hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia are discussed. Hypophosphatemia results from a variety of conditions including malnutrition, carbohydrate refeeding, acid-base disorders, and hormonal and drug effects. Patients suffering from severe hypophosphatemia may present with a variety of syndromes that can become detrimental and even life-threatening if this electrolyte depletion goes untreated. Hyperphosphatemia occurs because of increased extracellular phosphate load from either endogenous or exogenous sources or from a decrease in renal phosphate excretion. Left untreated, hyperphosphatemia can result in dangerous calciumphosphate precipitation into vital organs and tissues.