title: A synopsis of phosphate disorders in the nursing home.
abstract: Elderly patients are at an increased risk of developing both hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia. Renal insufficiency predisposes elderly patients to elevated serum concentrations of phosphate. On the other hand, poor dietary intake and loss of phosphorus in the urine can lead to deficiency states. It is well documented that hyperphosphatemia is correlated with an increase in morbidity and mortality as a result of vascular calcification. This article reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment of hypophosphatemia and hyperphosphatemia.
authors.affiliation: UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA. shellxing@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Xiaolei Shelly
authors.initials: XS
authors.lastname: Xing
authors.forename: Dean T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Yamaguchi
authors.forename: Nancy T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Weintraub
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D054559:Hyperphosphatemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D017674:Hypophosphatemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009735:Nursing Homes