Hypophosphataemia and parenteral nutrition; biochemical monitoring, incidence and outcomes

Abstract

AbstractAims: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and clinical associations of hypophosphataemia in patients undergoing parenteral nutrition (PN) and the importance of biochemical monitoring.Methods: Patients (n = 57) on PN were identified from pharmacy and also dietician referral records. Access to patient case files and dietetics records provided details pertaining to diagnosis, indications for PN, the level of biochemistry monitoring, and any complications incurred. Hypophosphataemia < 0.80 mmol/L according to our lower limit of our laboratory reference interval.Results: Serum phosphate concentrations fell significantly within the first day of starting PN, from a median value of 1.04 mmol/L at baseline (range 0.51–2.05 mmol/L) to 0.89 mmol/L (range 0.47–1.74 mmol/L, p = 0.013). The fall in serum phosphate persisted at day 2 (median 0.84 mmol/L, range 0.38–1.75 mmol/L) and day 3 (0.84 mmol/L, range 0.43–1.56 mmol/L) upon starting PN.Conclusion: Our novel findings showed an incidence of hyp...