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Introduction to Electrolytes01:33

Introduction to Electrolytes

In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
Role of Sodium
One...
Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate01:27

Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate

Calcium and phosphate are essential electrolytes in the human body, with calcium being the most abundant mineral. Around 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the skeleton and teeth, forming a crystal lattice of mineral salts in combination with phosphates. Calcium plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle tone maintenance, and nervous and muscle tissue excitability.
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
Ionic Bonds00:42

Ionic Bonds

Overview
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis01:21

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
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...
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications01:25

Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a medical process that removes waste products and excess fluid from the body using the peritoneal membrane as a natural filter.Peritoneal Dialysis MethodsSeveral methods can be used for peritoneal dialysis, including Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, and Automated Peritoneal Dialysis, also known as Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis.Acute Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (AIPD) is used for patients with uremic...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation
07:13

Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation

Published on: March 14, 2017

Phosphate enemas causing profound refractory hypocalcaemia: A case report.

Jennifer Nobes1, Michael J Murphy1

  • 1Biochemical Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.

Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|May 21, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Phosphate enemas, used to treat hepatic encephalopathy in a patient with alcohol-related liver disease, caused severe hypocalcemia due to rectal phosphate absorption. Stopping the enemas corrected the electrolyte imbalance.

Keywords:
ALDAnalytesCalciumClinical studiesPhosphate

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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation
07:13

Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation

Published on: March 14, 2017

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) can lead to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
  • Hepatic encephalopathy management often involves reducing nitrogenous waste, including the use of enemas.
  • Electrolyte disturbances are common complications in patients with advanced liver disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of severe hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia.
  • To identify the cause of the electrolyte imbalance in a patient with decompensated cirrhosis.
  • To highlight a potential adverse effect of phosphate enemas in liver disease patients.

Main Methods:

  • A case report of a 37-year-old woman with alcohol-related liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy.
  • Monitoring of serum calcium and phosphate levels during treatment with phosphate enemas.
  • Clinical assessment and discontinuation of phosphate enemas based on laboratory findings.

Main Results:

  • The patient developed severe hypocalcemia (nadir 0.85 mmol/L) and hyperphosphatemia (6.4 mmol/L) after initiation of phosphate enemas.
  • Discontinuation of phosphate enemas led to normalization of serum phosphate within 72 hours.
  • Significant intravenous calcium supplementation was required to correct the hypocalcemia.

Conclusions:

  • Rectal absorption of phosphate from enemas can cause severe hypocalcemia in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
  • Phosphate enemas should be used with caution in patients with liver disease due to the risk of electrolyte disturbances.
  • This case underscores the importance of vigilant electrolyte monitoring in patients receiving enema therapy.