Phosphate depletion and repletion: relation to parenteral nutrition and oxygen transport

Phosphate depletion occurring during total parenteral nutrition has been frequently reported during the part 4 years. Hypophosphatemia may be associated with confusion, hyperventilation, and neuromuscular irritability, suggesting a total body phosphate deficiency. If inorganic phosphate levels fall below 1.0 mg %, diminished red cell glycolysis occurs with low erythrocyte levels of 2,3 diphosphoglycerate and adenosine triphosphate. Lowered red cell organic phosphates are associated with increased hemoglobin oxygen affinity. If severe hypophosphatemia occurs, hemolytic anemia, which is correctible by phosphate infusion, may result. In addition, leucocyte function is impaired by low levels of serum inorganic phosphate. While recognized as a needed additive, recommended phosphate supplements vary. Different infusion regimens have been suggested over the past 4 years, based primarily on assumed daily requirements. In the 19 trauma patients described who received hyperalimentation as part of their treatment, phosphate administration was calculated retrospectively and prospectively as a function of non-protein calories infused. Four different groups were studied. Group A received no phosphate additive and quickly became severely hypophosphatemic. Group B received from one to 15 meg of potassium acid phosphate per 1,000 K cal and developed a more gradual lowering of serum inorganic phosphate levels. Group C received 15 to 25 meg of potassium acid phosphate per 1,000 K cal and maintained normal phosphate levels throughout the course of treatment. Group D received greater than 25 meq of potassium acid phosphate per 1,000 K cal and gradually increased their serum inorganic phosphate levels. A significant positive correlation was found between serum inorganic phosphate levels, 2,3 diphosphoglycerate levels, adenosine triphosphate levels, and P50 of the oxy-hemoglobin dissociation curve. No patients developed hemolytic or neuromuscular syndromes which were attributable to hypophosphatemia. This study describes a simple method for the maintenance of adequate phosphate levels in patients whose dextrose-protein solutions may vary from day to day, by relating it to non-protein calories. Provision of 20 to 25 meq of potassium dihydrogen phosphate per 1,000 K cal will maintain normal serum levels of inorganic phosphate during total parenteral nutrition.