title: Distinction between the common symptoms of the phosphate-depletion syndrome and glucocorticoid-induced disease.
abstract: A phosphate depletion syndrome developed in a steroid-dependent asthmatic patient. Initially, the clinical picture was confused with steroid-associated myopathy rather than the phosphate depletion syndrome which has similar symptoms. The classic biochemical findings led to the correct diagnosis. Cessation of phosphate-binding antacids and phosphorus repletion rapidly corrected the biochemical findings and led to the patient's clinical improvement. Platelet phosphate metabolism was evaluated; it was found to correlate with the phosphorus-depleted state and clinical recovery with phosphate repletion. Attention is drawn to the clinical entity of phosphate depletion which may mimic steroid-induced side effects, both of which may occur in patients receiving steroids and antacids.
mesh_terms: D000863:Antacids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy; D002125:Calcium Gluconate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004872:Ergocalciferols / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D010710:Phosphates / Q000652:urine; D010760:Phosphorus Metabolism Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000863:Antacids; D004872:Ergocalciferols; D010710:Phosphates; D011239:Prednisolone; D002125:Calcium Gluconate; D008775:Methylprednisolone