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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 4/2010

Open Access 01-08-2010 | Research

Treatment of hypophosphatemia in the intensive care unit: a review

Authors: Daniël A Geerse, Alexander J Bindels, Michael A Kuiper, Arnout N Roos, Peter E Spronk, Marcus J Schultz

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 4/2010

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Abstract

Introduction

Currently no evidence-based guideline exists for the approach to hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients.

Methods

We performed a narrative review of the medical literature to identify the incidence, symptoms, and treatment of hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients. Specifically, we searched for answers to the questions whether correction of hypophosphatemia is associated with improved outcome, and whether a certain treatment strategy is superior.

Results

Incidence: hypophosphatemia is frequently encountered in the intensive care unit; and critically ill patients are at increased risk for developing hypophosphatemia due to the presence of multiple causal factors. Symptoms: hypophosphatemia may lead to a multitude of symptoms, including cardiac and respiratory failure. Treatment: hypophosphatemia is generally corrected when it is symptomatic or severe. However, although multiple studies confirm the efficacy and safety of intravenous phosphate administration, it remains uncertain when and how to correct hypophosphatemia. Outcome: in some studies, hypophosphatemia was associated with higher mortality; a paucity of randomized controlled evidence exists for whether correction of hypophosphatemia improves the outcome in critically ill patients.

Conclusions

Additional studies addressing the current approach to hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients are required. Studies should focus on the association between hypophosphatemia and morbidity and/or mortality, as well as the effect of correction of this electrolyte disorder.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Treatment of hypophosphatemia in the intensive care unit: a review
Authors
Daniël A Geerse
Alexander J Bindels
Michael A Kuiper
Arnout N Roos
Peter E Spronk
Marcus J Schultz
Publication date
01-08-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 4/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc9215

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