[Diagnosis and treatment of hypophosphatemia]

Phosphate is widely spread in the human body, filling many roles across various tissues, both in the intra- and extracellular space. Serum phosphorus makes up only a slight fraction of the total body stocks but acts as an exchange between the different compartments. Hypophosphatemia is commonly found among hospitalized patients, especially those in an intensive care unit. Clinical manifestations associated with hypophosphatemia are mainly respiratory, neuromuscular, cardiac and hematologic, all of which are more common in the presence of severe hypophosphatemia. Interventional evidence on the benefit of correcting hypophosphatemia is lacking. Currently available recommendations vary and are based on weak evidence.