Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness
09:17

Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness

Published on: May 2, 2017

9.5K

Hypophosphatemia in Critically Ill Children: Risk Factors, Outcome and Mechanism

Satish Kumar Shah1, Mohammad Irshad2, Nandita Gupta3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|July 10, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Hypophosphatemia is common in critically ill children, affecting over 70%. This condition is linked to longer pediatric intensive care unit stays but not increased mortality.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Clinical Chemistry

Background:

  • Hypophosphatemia is a frequent electrolyte disturbance in critically ill children.
  • Understanding its prevalence, risk factors, and impact on outcomes is crucial for pediatric intensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hypophosphatemia in critically ill children.
  • To investigate its association with clinical outcomes, risk factors, and mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Serum phosphate levels, phosphate intake, and renal phosphate handling indices were measured in pediatric intensive care unit patients.
  • Hypophosphatemia was defined based on age-specific serum phosphorus thresholds.
  • Renal phosphate loss was assessed using the tubular maximum reabsorption of phosphate to glomerular filtration rate ratio (TmP/GFR).

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of hypophosphatemia was 71.6% in critically ill children.
  • Hypophosphatemia was significantly associated with prolonged pediatric intensive care unit length of stay (PICU LOS > 6 days).
  • No significant association was found between hypophosphatemia and increased mortality; however, renal phosphate loss was increased.

Conclusions:

  • Hypophosphatemia is highly prevalent in critically ill children.
  • Increased urinary phosphate excretion is a key mechanism contributing to hypophosphatemia in this population.
  • Hypophosphatemia is associated with prolonged PICU LOS.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenCritical illnessHypophosphatemiaLength of stayOutcomesPhosphaturia

More Related Videos

Modeling Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells06:23

Modeling Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Published on: November 21, 2025

616
Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses11:17

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses

Published on: August 30, 2018

13.5K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
890
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight,...
423
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care01:20

Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
450
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses...
313
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
645
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:28

Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...
581