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Hypophosphatemia

Contents of this page:
Alternative Names Definition Causes Symptoms	Treatment Outlook (Prognosis) When to Contact a Medical Professional References

Alternative Names   

Low blood phosphate; Phosphate - low

Definition    Return to top

Hypophosphatemia is a low level of phosphorus in the blood.

Causes    Return to top

Various conditions may cause hypophosphatemia, including:

• Alcoholism
• Starvation
• Vitamin D deficiency

Symptoms    Return to top

• Anemia due to excess destruction of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
• Confusion
• Heart muscle damage (cardiomyopathy)
• Muscle weakness

Treatment    Return to top

Treating the cause of hypophosphatemia is needed to correct the phosphorous deficiency. Phosphate can be given by mouth or through a vein.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outlook depends on the disease causing the condition.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you have muscle weakness or confusion.

References    Return to top

Yu ASL. Disorders of magnesium and phosphorous. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 120.

Update Date: 10/10/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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