Severe hypophosphatemia in postoperative patients.

Severe hypophosphatemia may develop in postoperative patients for several reasons including alcohol withdrawal, diabetic ketoacidosis, nutritional recovery (refeeding) syndrome, and severe respiratory alkalosis. Severe hypophosphatemia may result in central nervous system abnormalities, muscle weakness, and renal, hepatic, cardiac, and respiratory dysfunction. Hypophosphatemia may be prevented by close monitoring of phosphorus concentrations in serum, especially in patients predisposed to developing this problem. Proper techniques for the maintenance and repletion of phosphate for both enteral and parenteral use are described.