[Severe Hypophosphatemia Treated with Intravenous Phosphate: A Case Report]

Severe hypophosphatemia (plasma phosphate <1 mg/dL or <0.32 mmol/L) is a very common disorder in the hospital environment, it has multiple etiologies and traduces a body phosphate depletion. Due to the importance of phosphate for cellular function, severe hypophosphatemia implies a life-threatening condition; with alteration of neuromuscular, myocardial, respiratory, and erythrocyte function, among other complications. For its treatment it is necessary to supplement phosphate both orally and intravenously. The latter presents complications if not administered prudently. We present the case of an adult patient with rapidly progressive severe hypophosphatemia treated with intravenous sodium glycerophosphate, which evolved with important alterations of the internal environment (hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia and hypernatremia). The etiologies of the disorder and a detailed analysis of phosphate correction are discussed; analyzing the necessary doses, adequate velocity of infusion, therapeutic objectives, existing formulations of intravenous phosphate and its most appropriate preparations.