Disorders of phosphorus metabolism
1. Phosphorus is the main component of ATP, the basic energy molecule of all human cells.
2. Hypophosphatemia is common, but clinically significant hypophosphatemia (<1 mg/dL) is rare, manifesting as muscle breakdown, decreased cardiac contractility, CNS dysfunction, lethargy, seizures, and death.
3. There is an increasing amount of inorganic phosphorus in our diets, mostly from preservatives; however, intact kidneys maintain phosphate balance.
4. Patients with acute or chronic kidney disease are highly susceptible to hyperphosphatemia.
5. Rarely, excessive ingestion overwhelms the kidney’s ability to handle phosphorus; this can be seen with sodium phosphate cathartics and enemas.
