Changes in serum phosphate levels associated with intestinal infarction and necrosis.

Masive intestinal necrosis due to any cause is associated with a chemical complex that may be helpful in the early diagnosis of these conditions. This consists of elevated serum phosphate level, metabolic acidosis with significant base deficit, elevated white blood count, and elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit values. This chemical complex associated with clinical signs and symptoms, may indicate the need for laparotomy. In this way, the time period between vascular occlusion and operation could be shortened and possible lead to more gratifying results than the present day extremely high morbidity and mortality rates which are associated with massive intestinal necrosis.