[Severe hypophosphoremia in a patient on parenteral nutrition with phosphorus enrichment]

A twenty-four year old patient showed severe hypophosphataemia after emergency surgery for colectasia. A critical study of the case isolated the factors which had favoured the development of this metabolic complication. The necessity for great care in the nutrition of emaciated patients as well as that of a phosphorus supply adapted to the metabolic status of the patient were emphasized. Frequent measurement of serum phosphate was recommended for patients undergoing intravenous hyperalimentation.