Medical Problems: Hyperphosphatemia

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of hyperphosphatemia. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that we become as familiar as possible with it.

High levels of serum phosphate may require medical correction (source)
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Hyperphosphatemia refers to a serum phosphate level > 4.5 mg/dL.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

 

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for hyperphosphatemia can be organized in a few different ways:

  • Can’t miss diagnosis
  • Organ systen
  • Disease category
  • Diagnostic modality
  • Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of hyperphosphatemia have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with hyperphosphatemia. 

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Intrepreting clinical data
TREATMENT

The treatment of hyperphosphatemia may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:

 

Page Updated: 01.29.2017