[Hypophosphoremia and meningococcal infection. Preliminary study]

Serum phosphorus showing anomaly low values: 2.47 +/- 0.41 mg/dl (p less than 0.001) were determined within the first hours of admittance in 18 children with meningococcal infection. In another 10 renal clearance was performed founding phosphatemias of 2.35 +/- 0.37 mg/dl (p less than 0.002), determining FE of electrolytes. Both groups were compared with another one without infectious pathology which presented normal phosphatemia. Most serious cases had the most severe hypophosphatemia (p less than 0.01); eight children presented hyperphosphaturia up to 52.7 mg/Kg/day and TRP lower than 80%; six asymptomatic hypocalcemia, two hypomagnesemia; FE of potassium was elevated in three children, FE of calcium in one child and FE phosphorus in eight children. Monosodium phosphate was administered to two children with myocarditis as they presented signs of hypophosphatemia. All of them normalized biochemically in 3-4 days. Possible physiopathological mechanisms of this situation are discussed, considering the possibility that hormonal and/or tubular mechanisms take part in the lowering of phosphorus. Necessity of monitoring serum and urine phosphorus in these children is emphasized.