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Hypophosphatemia
Low blood phosphate; Phosphate - low; Hyperparathyroidism - low phosphate
Hypophosphatemia is a low level of phosphorus in the blood.
Phosphorus
The phosphorus blood test measures the amount of phosphate in the blood.
Causes
The following may cause hypophosphatemia:
-
Alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder is when your drinking causes serious problems in your life, yet you keep drinking. You may also need more and more alcohol to f...
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- Certain medicines, including insulin, acetazolamide, foscarnet, imatinib, pentamidine, and sorafenib
- Fanconi syndrome
- Starvation
- Too little vitamin D
- Overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism)
- Burns
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Bone pain
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will examine you.
The following tests may be done:
- Kidney function tests
- Vitamin D blood test
Exam and testing may show:
-
Anemia due to too many red blood cells being destroyed (
hemolytic anemia
)
Hemolytic anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissues. Normally, red ...
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Heart muscle damage (
cardiomyopathy
)
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is disease in which the heart muscle becomes weakened, stretched, or has another structural problem. It often occurs when the heart c...
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Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Phosphate can be given by mouth or through a vein (IV).
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well you do depends on what has caused the condition.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have muscle weakness or confusion.
References
Klemm KM, Klein MJ. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 15.
Yu ASL. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorous. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 119.
Review Date: 2/7/2017
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
