Types Of Electrolyte Disorders

Hypophosphatemia And Hyperphosphatemia

Hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia happen when there is an irregularly high or low level of potassium in the blood. Levels of less than 2.5 mg/dL of serum phosphate in the blood are indicative of hypophosphatemia. Low potassium levels can be a result of severe burns, diuretic use, alcoholism, excessive use of antacids containing aluminum, chronic diarrhea, undernutrition, and ketoacidosis. While hypophosphatemia is often asymptomatic, in severe cases where it goes untreated, rhabdomyolysis, or rapid skeletal muscle death, neuromuscular disturbances, seizures, coma, or death.

Hyperphosphatemia is characterized by phosphate concentrations in the blood of more than 4.5 mg/dL. High phosphate levels can be a result of diabetic ketoacidosis, nontraumatic rhabdomyolysis, tumor lysis syndrome, crush injuries, kidney problems, and overwhelming systemic infections. When phosphate levels rise in the blood, calcium binds with the phosphate causing a drop in calcium levels. When this happens frequently, the bones, skin, heart, and vascular system can all become permanently damaged. Additionally, acute renal failure can occur due to permanent kidney damage.