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Serum phosphate in older people

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 December 2009

M Lambert
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine for the Elderly, NHS Tayside
MD Witham
Affiliation:
Ageing & Health, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Dundee
D Sumukadas*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine for the Elderly, NHS Tayside
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Deepa Sumukadas, Ageing & Health, Mailbox 1, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK. Email: [email protected]

Summary

Phosphate (PO4) has a number of important functions in the human body and abnormalities of phosphate handling and phosphate levels are common in older people. We review the physiological functions of phosphate, the effects of phosphate deficiency and excess, and discuss the evidence underpinning management of these conditions in older people. Both hyper- and hypophosphataemia have been associated with a variety of adverse effects in different patient groups. There is currently little evidence to guide practice in treatment of abnormal phosphate levels specifically in older people. Studies looking into the effect of replacing phosphate on morbidity and mortality in milder cases of hypophosphataemia and into the dangers of, and treatment of, hyperphosphataemia in older people are required.

Type
Clinical geriatrics
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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