title: The effect of 25 grams i.v. glucose on serum inorganic phosphate levels.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether a 25-g IV glucose bolus will result in a fall in serum inorganic phosphate levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six healthy, nondiabetic, adult volunteers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Random allocation to a control group receiving a 50-mL normal saline bolus followed by a normal saline infusion at 125 mL/hr for three hours; study group 1, receiving a 50-mL bolus of D50W followed by a normal saline infusion at 125 mL/hr for three hours; or study group 2, receiving a 50-mL bolus of D50W followed by an infusion of 2/3:1/3 dextrose:saline solution at 125 mL/hr for three hours.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Serum inorganic phosphate levels were measured at time zero (baseline) and at 30-minute intervals for three hours. There was a statistically significant fall in serum inorganic phosphate levels in both groups receiving the glucose bolus. The group receiving the glucose infusion demonstrated a trend toward a further decline in serum phosphate levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A glucose bolus and infusion in the amounts compatible with what is given to patients with altered levels of consciousness produced a significant fall in serum inorganic phosphate levels in healthy, nondiabetic adults. Because hypophosphatemia may create a clinical picture of altered mental status very similar to that of hypoglycemia, consideration should be given to administering IV glucose only to patients with finger-stick-proven hypoglycemia. Consideration also should be given to monitoring phosphate levels after administration of IV glucose.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: MacLeod
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Montoya
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Fick
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Jessen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010710:Phosphates / Q000097:blood*; D016037:Single-Blind Method
chemical_list: D010710:Phosphates; D005947:Glucose