Title:Phosphate Homeostasis and Disorders of Phosphate Metabolism
Volume: 20
Issue: 4
Author(s): Nandhini Lakshmana Perumal and Raja Padidela*
Affiliation:
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
Keywords:
Hypophosphataemia, FGF23, X-linked hypophosphataemic rickets, tumoral calcinosis, hyperphosphataemia, burosumab.
Abstract: Phosphate is indispensable for human life and evolutionary changes over several millions
of years have established tightly regulated mechanisms to ensure phosphate homeostasis. In this
process, calcium and phosphate metabolism have come to be intricately linked together. Three hormones
(PTH, FGF23 and Calcitriol) maintain the fine balance of calcium and phosphate metabolism
through their actions at three sites (the gut, the kidneys and the skeleton). Disorders that disrupt
this balance can have serious clinical consequences. Acute changes in serum phosphate levels can
result in life threatening complications like respiratory failure and cardiac arrythmias. Chronic hypophosphataemia
predominantly affects the musculoskeletal system and presents as impaired linear
growth, rickets, osteomalacia and dental problems. Hyperphosphataemia is very common in the setting
of chronic kidney disease and can be difficult to manage. A thorough understanding of calcium
and phosphate homeostasis is essential to diagnose and treat conditions associated with hypo and
hyperphosphataemia. In this review, we will discuss the calcium and phosphate metabolism, aetiologies
and management of hypo and hyperphosphataemia.