Hyperphosphatemia
Hyperphosphatemia
Medical condition
Hyperphosphatemia is an electrolyte disorder in which there is an elevated level of phosphate in the blood.[1] Most people have no symptoms while others develop calcium deposits in the soft tissue.[1] Often there is also low calcium levels which can result in muscle spasms.[1]
Causes include kidney failure, pseudohypoparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, diabetic ketoacidosis, tumor lysis syndrome, and rhabdomyolysis.[1] Diagnosis is generally based on a blood phosphate levels of greater than 1.46 mmol/L (4.5 mg/dL).[1] Levels may appear falsely elevated with high blood lipid levels, high blood protein levels, or high blood bilirubin levels.[1]
Treatment may include eating a phosphate low diet and antacids, like calcium carbonate, that bind phosphate.[1] Occasionally intravenous normal saline or dialysis may be used.[1] How commonly it occurs is unclear.[2]