What is Hyperphosphatemia?

Hyperphosphatemia is a condition in which levels of phosphates in the blood are elevated. Some phosphates are needed for healthy functioning, or one might end up with hypophosphatemia, in which the levels are too low. When levels rise too high, however, they can cause problems. There are several different things which can lead to this condition, and it is often seen in settings such as intensive care, where patients may have underlying problems which predispose them to hyperphosphatemia.

There are no symptoms of hyperphosphatemia. The condition can only be diagnosed by drawing blood and checking phosphate levels. Commonly, calcium levels are lowered, a condition called hypocalcemia. There are several treatment options for hyperphosphatemia. If the condition is mild, a doctor may recommend exercise, increased water consumption, and monitoring. If the levels are very high, agents which bind to phosphates, such as calcium and magnesium, can be taken to bind to the excess phosphates so that they can be expressed from the body.

One common reason for people to develop hyperphosphatemia is impairment in kidney function. When the kidneys are not working right, it can be difficult to eliminate some salts from the blood. Some childhood illnesses and medications are also associated with with elevated phosphate levels. Finally, a patient may be getting imbalanced electrolytes or too many phosphates, leading to an electrolyte imbalance in the blood because the body cannot correct the problem as fast as new electrolytes are introduced.

When a patient is diagnosed with hyperphosphatemia, the first step in treatment is to find out why the patient has the condition. When a cause is identified, treatment or management of the cause can start while care providers work on stabilizing the patient's electrolyte levels. One way to do this is simply to encourage elimination through the kidneys with the use of supplemental water and a diuretic.

Staying hydrated and engaging in light exercise can help eliminate the imbalance from the blood by encouraging utilization and expression of excess phosphates. If these measures are not an option, do not seem to work, or are inadequate because the imbalance is too high, binding agents can be administered.

Patients at risk for this condition are regularly screened for it when their blood is taken and a complete electrolyte panel is performed. This allows care providers to find problems quickly, before they cause complications by being untreated. This condition can also be identified during a routine blood panel ordered for other reasons.